Ntarinkon Credit Union makes inroads in US!.

This was on the sidelines of the 2026 Cameroon Diaspora Global Awards held in the United States. 

The deal was reached with the Cameroon Diaspora Youth Network, CDYN, and the United Council for Youth Empowerment, UCYE International. 

The General Manager of Ntarinkon Credit Union, Divine Ade Muma, penned the agreement on behalf of the microfinance institution while the President and Founder of the Cameroon Diaspora Youth Network, Fabian Ekukwe Lyonga, signed for his US-based organisation. 

The deal will among other things facilitate diaspora savings, investment mobilisation, financial inclusion, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Cameroon. 

Leader in microfinance business

Speaking before putting pen to paper for the MoU, the General Manager of Ntarinkon Credit Union, Divine Ade Muma, described the deal as a strategic window for diaspora investments back home. 

He told the Maryland gathering that the credit union he leads, prides self as the leader in the sector in Cameroon and beyond. 

"We are the number one Credit Union in Cameroon and 7th in Africa," he told attendees amidst rounds of thunderous applause. 

Ade Muma recounted to the gathering that "we were created in 1972 by a group of farmers”. 

He then explained that Ntarinkon Credit has been looking at ways of reconnecting Cameroonians abroad to the country. 

"Today, we have started that journey," Ade Muma said, adding that: "I have come to explain that this small credit union that started with 14 people now has a membership of 120,000. Once you join with a share of 50,000 FCFA, you automatically become a shareholder and we can support your businesses through loans".

Benefits of MoU

Meanwhile, as per the agreement, both parties have recognised the need to transform diaspora participation from primarily remittance-based activity into structured savings, investment, entrepreneurship financing, knowledge transfer, business development, employment creation and long-term economic participation.

Through the partnership, both institutions have agreed to establish a structured institutional bridge connecting the Cameroonian diaspora, particularly young professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and organizations in the United States and internationally, with legitimate financial and economic opportunities in Cameroon.

"The parties further recognise the role of CDYN USA and UCYE International in youth empowerment, diaspora engagement, entrepreneurship, professional development, international cooperation and economic-development programming," part of the agreement noted. 

Ntarinkon Credit Union and the Cameroon Diaspora Youth Network have disclosed that through partnership, they will establish a long-term institutional partnership to facilitate responsible diaspora savings and investment in Cameroon.

Both parties have also agreed to promote financial inclusion among Cameroonians living abroad, connect diaspora capital with productive economic activities in Cameroon, support youth entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises as well as promote legitimate financing opportunities and increase financial literacy. 

The two institutions have agreed to build confidence between the diaspora and financial institutions, facilitate professional and technical knowledge transfer, create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, support women and youth economic empowerment and develop diaspora investment forums and business networks. 

As per the agreement, the Cameroon Diaspora Youth Network shall serve as the principal diaspora-engagement and diaspora-youth coordination partner while the United Council for Youth Empowerment, UCYE International, shall serve as the international youth-development, program-development and technical-coordination. 

For its part, NtaCCUL will remain solely responsible for financial products, account opening, customer identification, credit evaluation, financing approval, loan administration, savings administration, financial compliance and customer service. 

"CDYN USA shall: Introduce NtaCCUL to appropriate members of the Cameroonian diaspora; facilitate diaspora engagement; promote financial-literacy programs; organize diaspora investment events, facilitate youth entrepreneurship programs; identify potential entrepreneurs and businesses for educational or referral purposes; facilitate institutional introductions and support communications and outreach," the agreement said of the US partners. 

The US organisation, the MoU added, will also coordinate approved diaspora programmes, facilitate networking between NtaCCUL and qualified diaspora participants, promote responsible financial education and support annual diaspora investment events.

It shall also maintain institutional communication with NtaCCUL, support monitoring and evaluation and Perform other mutually agreed program-development services. 

Meanwhile, UCYE International shall develop youth entrepreneurship programs, support business-readiness training, develop mentorship programs, facilitate international professional networks, support educational and economic-development initiatives, assist in developing youth enterprise pipelines and support research and impact measurement

The task for NtaCCUL

According the agreement, NtaCCUL will provide accurate information about its financial products, designate a dedicated diaspora liaison, provide account-opening information, explain eligibility requirements, provide information regarding savings and financing, evaluate applications independently and provide qualified applicants with appropriate financial services. 

NtaCCUL will also support youth entrepreneurs and SMEs subject to its requirements, participate in approved financial-literacy programs participate in diaspora investment forums, provide appropriate reporting concerning partnership activity, maintain all required customer identification and compliance procedures and provide appropriate customer support.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3884 of Thursday August 20, 2026