At NW Economic Forum: Waindim Timothy shines light on NWCA's Kola Coffee.

He was speaking during a panel discussion at the opening of the maiden edition of the North West Economic Forum in Bamenda on Saturday July 12.

The two-day forum was an initiative of the North West Regional Assembly, piloted by Professor Fru Angwafo III and organised under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. 

It brought together investors, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and development partners, all focused on moving the region beyond crisis and towards economic revival.

In a powerful and inspiring address, the NWCA Ltd General Manager highlighted the critical role of coffee in the regional and national economy.

He presented Kola coffee as a product derived from organic Arabica coffee beans.

The beautifully packaged product, presents with a nice aroma when brewed for consumption. Waindim underscored the economic significance of Kola Coffee across the region.

He presented a strong argument that consuming the locally-made product will boost the efforts of local farmers, prevent capital flight and support the economy of the region financially.

Kola Coffee was served as official beverage of the North West Economic Forum and participants who tasted the product, praised its rich aroma and full-bodied flavour.

Minister Mbayu, Governor Lele L’Afrique praise NWCA Ltd 

The NWCA Ltd exhibition stand set up at the forum venue, received the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relation, Felix Mbayu and Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique.

The guests were welcomed by the General Manager, Waindim Timothy, before being served with Kola Coffee. The government officials who had a warm exchange with the NWCA Ltd GM while sipping the Kola Coffee, praised its exceptional quality. 

Speaking briefly after a toast with the two officials, Waindim Timothy Ntam reaffirmed NWCA Ltd’s commitment to delivering excellence while empowering the thousands of farming families whose livelihoods are woven into every bean. 

The presence of Minister Mbayu and Governor Lele L’Afrique, he said, served as both recognition and motivation.

The visit also reinforced the forum’s wider narrative that homegrown solutions deserve high-level attention, and that investing in what is authentically local can serve as a powerful foundation for regional and national transformation.

NWCA overcoming turbulence

Founded over six decades ago, NWCA Ltd is one of Cameroon’s most enduring cooperative structures. Through years of economic turbulence and ongoing insecurity, the cooperative has managed to sustain its members by investing in quality production and strategic branding. 

“NWCA trades in 70% Arabica, 20% Robusta, and 10% Cocoa, with robusta and cocoa thriving in lower-altitude regions. Through a strong network that connects the farm to the final cup. We’ve proudly paid over 3.2 billion FCFA to our hardworking farmers in the past six years,” Waindim revealed.

“Our commitment to quality continues to earn global respect and recognition,” said the seasoned rural development expert, whose leadership has transformed the cooperative from a producer union into a modern agro-industrial force.

Under his leadership, the Association has invested over FCFA 200 million in a state-of-the-art processing and packaging facility, providing over 500 jobs, many of them to internally displaced persons, IDPs. 

Recognised as Community Dev’t Champion

At the close of the North West Economic Forum, NWCA Lt was awarded as Community Development Champion 2025, in acknowledgement of its outstanding contributions to rural development, job creation, and inclusive economic empowerment across the region. 

The award was received for the institution by Neng Delphine, Head of the Marketing Department at NWCA Ltd.  

Speaking moments later after receiving the honour, the General Manager of the institution said: “This award belongs to every farmer who wakes before dawn to till the soil. It is a recognition of rural endurance and a call to do even more,”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3504 of Tuesday July 15, 2025