Challenge 2025

The Digitalization of the Global Credit Union System

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A New Decade, A New Goal

In 2014, World Council of Credit Unions set a goal of reaching 260 million credit union members worldwide by 2020.

Through a concentrated worldwide effort, credit unions were able to reach our "Vision 2020" goal by 2017. But that growth was not even across all countries or among all credit unions. The credit unions that grew were those that offered core services via online and mobile channels. That is why we are now addressing how we increase membership going forward—through the digitalization of the global credit union system by 2025.

Measuring Global Digitalization

World Council will measure the digitalization of credit unions in four key areas for Challenge 2025.

Digital Channels

Offering members core digital transaction services such as online and mobile banking, online payments and online loan processing.

Shared Platforms

Connecting your credit union to a shared payments system that allows for mobile payments and integrated with a national payments system.

Risk Management

Implementation of a cybersecurity system that complies with national regulations to protect members' identity and consumer data from digital attacks and intrusions.

Data Analytics

Employing data analytics to determine additional service offerings to members, and helping to identify those that need financial literacy or counseling services.

 

Follow Our Progress, Tell Us About Yours

Track the latest developments in digitization by subscribing to our Challenge 2025 Blog. You can also send us updates on how your credit union or credit union system is striving to help us meet Challenge 2025 at communications@woccu.org

Groundbreaking Digital Agribusiness Credit Union Pilot Launches in Cameroon

Pilot credit union professionals receiving training on the digital platform
Pilot credit union professionals receiving training on the digital platform
A launch ceremony with CamCCUL donating equipment to M'mouck Credit Union
A launch ceremony with CamCCUL donating equipment to M'mouck Credit Union

The Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League (CamCCUL) in April officially launched the pilot phase of a digital agribusiness initiative centered around the creation of a powerful new online platform designed to connect farmers directly to markets and value chain actors, bypassing middlemen and boosting income potential.

CAmCCUL officially kicked off the Transfragri Project at April launch events where they donated laptops, smartphones, generators and motorcycles to three credit unions selected as pilot sites for the project in an effort to facilitate their digital transitions.

Board leaders from the three credit unions expressed deep gratitude, noting that rural farmers have eagerly awaited the arrival of the platform since initial discussions were held months ago. They hailed it as the beginning of a new marketing strategy that will allow farmers to sell directly to wider markets and interact with key players in the agricultural value chain.

“This isn’t just about digital tools,” said one Board President. “It’s about transforming how our farmers live and work. With this platform, they can improve their livelihoods, manage their loans more easily and truly benefit from their hard labor.”

The digital platform, Cagrib.com, is a user-friendly website where farmers can showcase their produce and connect in real time with buyers, suppliers and financial services, right from their phones. 

To ensure the success of the rollout, CamCCUL hosted a three-day training seminar in Mbouda, Cameroon, from April 24-26. Managers and staff from the pilot credit unions received hands-on training on how to operate the platform and promote it within their communities.

CamCCUL Assistant General Manager Awah Richard Ndoh encouraged participants to absorb and spread the knowledge, emphasizing that digital transformation is key to creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers.

As the project officially kicks off, expectations are high. The digital marketplace not only aims to increase farmers’ incomes but also supports loan repayment and financial stability within the credit unions.

“This platform is more than a tool, it’s a lifeline that will link farmers to the future,” said Afon Ferdinand, Coordinator of CamCCUL’s Agribusiness Unit.

Funded by the French Development Agency and managed under Cameroon’s Support Program to the National Strategy for Inclusive Finance (SP-NSIF), the Transfragri Project is a government initiative aligned with CamCCUL’s ongoing mission to fight poverty through financial inclusion.

This post is based on an original article that originally appeared on the CamCCUL website. CamCCUL is a member organization of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), a direct member of World Council of Credit Unions.