ACEP Cameroun SA, Cameroon

The structure of Cameroun’s microfinance sector is weak, marked by a multiplicity of small operators, mainly cooperatives, mainly offering savings products and money transfer services, and financing for public markets.

ACEP Cameroun targets small urban entrepreneurs, providing access to credits averaging 1,400 euros with a typical one-year maturity. It had about 7,500 clients at end-2009.  Its development continues to be satisfactory.

ACEP started operations in January 2000 as a project sponsored by the Cameroon Industry ministry, with the aim that it should be established as a joint stock company. I&P was invited to join a core shareholding group alongside, BICEC - the local subsidiary of Natexis-Banques Populaires and the country's leading private sector bank - and several Cameroonian shareholders. The joint stock company was formally registered in September 2005 and has since taken over operational management of the project, a first in francophone Africa.