CIF-WA (Confederation of Financial Institutions in West Africa)

A pioneering initiative for regional financial integration

The Confederation of Financial Institutions in West Africa (CIF-WA) stands as a key player in promoting financial inclusion within the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union) zone. It brings together cooperative microfinance institutions to provide accessible financial services to populations excluded from traditional financing systems, particularly in sectors such as handicrafts, livestock farming, fishing, and agriculture.

CIF-WA in Numbers

• 4.5 million members across the WAEMU region.
• 6 major cooperative federations representing 5 West African countries.
• 798 service points, ensuring extensive regional coverage.
• The only regional confederation, fostering cohesion and innovation in the microfinance sector.

CIF-WA Members

The confederation is built on the solidarity of six national federations:

• Faîtière des Caisses Populaires du Burkina Faso (FCPB) – Burkina Faso
• Faîtière des Caisses d’Epargne et de Crédit Agricole Mutuel (FECECAM) – Benin
• Faîtière des Unités Coopératives d’Épargne et de Crédit (FUCEC) – Togo
• KAFO JIGINEW – Mali
• Nyèsigiso Network – Mali
• Union of Mutuals for Savings and Credit Mobilization Partnership (UM-PAMECAS) – Senegal

Vision and Mission

• Vision: To be a reference in financial inclusion and innovation, supporting solidarity-based economies while adapting to technological advancements.
• Mission: To promote equitable access to financial services, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance the sustainability and profitability of its member cooperative networks.

Recent Initiatives

• Call for applications to establish a training academy aimed at strengthening members’ capacities.
• Calls for tenders to recruit web marketing service providers and procure IT equipment.

Regional Impact

CIF-WA embodies a significant step forward in West African regional integration by building a structured network to drive financial inclusion and economic development across the WAEMU region.