The Azire Cooperative Credit Union Limited (AziCCUL), Cameroon’s oldest and largest credit union, has taken a historic step in inclusive finance with the launch of its Islamic banking services.
The new product line, unveiled in Bamenda on Saturday, September 6, 2025, under the high patronage of North West Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, is designed to bring thousands of Muslims into the formal financial sector through Shariah-compliant banking solutions.
Anye Walters Awah, AziCCUL General Manager.A Vision of Inclusion
According to Anye Walters Awah, General Manager of AziCCUL, the innovation was born out of a deep understanding of the Muslim community’s financial needs.
“Many Muslims do not save money in banks because traditional banking practices are inconsistent with Shariah prescriptions. With this service, we have created a department within AziCCUL exclusively in charge of Islamic Services, staffed with trained Muslim workers and guided by a Shariah-compliant board,” GM Awah Walters explained.
The rollout begins in Bamenda, with expansion planned for Douala (Bonamoussadi), Yaoundé, and Bertoua.
Mirabel Nee Ngang, AziCCUL President.United Growth
Mirabel Nee Ngang, President of AziCCUL, described the initiative as a unifying project for Cameroonians of all faiths.
“This is about transparency, fairness, and ethics. For too long, Muslims were left behind in mainstream financial services. With Islamic banking at AziCCUL, we will grow together as one community,” she noted.
Sani Mohammed, Pioneer Manager, AziCCUL Islamic Services.A Service Tailored for Muslims
Sani Mohammed, Pioneer Manager of AziCCUL Islamic Services, said the launch is more than just a financial service, it is an opportunity to transform livelihoods.
“Many Muslims were excluded because of interest charges. Now, with Shariah-compliant, interest-free services, they can invest in businesses, build homes, schools, and even save progressively for Hajj. This move by AziCCUL will boost development and empower the Muslim community,” Sani Mohammed emphasized.
Adolphe Lele Lafrique, North West Governor.Boosting Peace and Development
Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique praised the initiative as a tool for both economic growth and peacebuilding in the crisis-hit North West region.
“This launch is a new dawn. It offers opportunities that will strengthen our economy and contribute to the return of normalcy in our beloved region. I encourage all to open accounts with AziCCUL and become agents of peace and development,” the Governor urged.
Front View of AziCCUL Head Office in Bamenda.A Long Legacy, A New Chapter
Founded in 1967, AziCCUL has grown to over 200,000 members across 16 branches in all 10 regions of Cameroon. With nearly six decades of experience in cooperative banking, the institution continues to champion financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.
Cross Section of Muslim Faithfuls, Others During Launching.The introduction of Islamic Services reflects its commitment to innovation and community-driven growth, giving Muslims access to ethical, transparent, and faith-aligned financial solutions.
Cross Section of Muslim Faithfuls, Others During Launching.As AziCCUL expands this service nationwide, it cements its position as not just a financial institution, but a partner for unity, peace, and shared prosperity in Cameroon.
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