Question 1

What is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin (COOPEC-AD) is a savings and credit cooperative operating in Benin. Created in 2008 by leaders of the Evangelical Church of the Assemblies of God of Benin, it is a decentralized financial system (Système Financier Décentralisé) organized as a non-profit cooperative. The institution's primary objective is to contribute to poverty reduction through financial services offered to churches and the general Beninese population.

COOPEC-AD is regulated by the Commission Bancaire de l'UMOA (West African Monetary Union Banking Commission) and is open to all citizens, not exclusively church members.

Question 2

When was Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin founded?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC-AD was created in 2008 as a non-governmental organization by leaders of the Evangelical Church of the Assemblies of God of Benin. The institution initially operated as an NGO before transitioning to comply with microfinance regulations.

After several years of preparation and formalization, COOPEC-AD received its official authorization on November 23, 2016, through decree number 3830/MEF/DC/DG-ANSSFD/DGA/DAR/SA/064 SGG16. It was registered in the Decentralized Financial Systems registry under number A.15.0105.A.

The journey from creation in 2008 to official authorization in 2016 involved developing appropriate management tools, ensuring daily operations, and working toward regulatory compliance.

Question 3

Where is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin headquartered?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC-AD is headquartered in Benin. The institution was established by the Evangelical Church of the Assemblies of God of Benin, which is well-established throughout the country.

Question 4

Where does Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin operate?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC-AD operates throughout Benin. The Evangelical Church of the Assemblies of God of Benin maintains an extensive presence across the entire national territory, and COOPEC-AD leverages this network to provide financial services in multiple locations.

The cooperative serves both urban and rural areas, reaching diverse populations including church members and the general public across Benin.

Question 5

What services does Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin offer?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC-AD provides a comprehensive range of microfinance services:
• Savings products allowing members to deposit and accumulate funds
• Credit facilities including consumption credit, equipment credit, and project financing
• Small commerce financing for traders and small businesses
• Wholesale commerce financing for larger commercial operations
• Agricultural financing for farmers and agricultural enterprises
• Artisan financing for craftspeople and artisanal businesses
• Public and private contract financing for contractors
• School fees and professional training financing to support education
• Member governance participation through administration councils, credit committees, and supervisory committees

Services are provided to associations, individuals, legal entities, agricultural workers, small traders, fishermen, artisans, salaried employees of autonomous organizations, and government civil servants.

Question 6

What makes Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin unique?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC-AD's foundation by a religious organization distinguishes it from other cooperatives, though it serves all Beninese citizens regardless of religious affiliation. This faith-based origin provides a foundation of trust and ethical principles in its operations.

The cooperative operates with variable capital constituted by shares purchased by members. It functions according to cooperative principles where members participate in governance through democratic structures including the administration council, credit committee, and supervisory committee.

Despite challenges in obtaining formal authorization—operating for eight years before receiving official approval—COOPEC-AD demonstrated commitment to serving its community and regulatory compliance. The institution has positioned itself as one of the better decentralized financial systems in Benin, offering less restrictive conditions to clients while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The cooperative focuses on client satisfaction and providing solutions tailored to member needs, emphasizing accessibility for populations often excluded from traditional banking.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin is a Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit (COOPEC), which is a savings and credit cooperative. This institutional type is specifically recognized under West African Monetary Union microfinance regulations.

COOPECs are classified as Systèmes Financiers Décentralisés (Decentralized Financial Systems) in Benin. They are member-owned mutual financial institutions that operate on cooperative principles, providing financial services to populations underserved by traditional banks. COOPEC-AD is regulated under Loi N°2012-14, which governs decentralized financial systems in Benin.

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit des Assemblées de Dieu du Bénin

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