Question 1

What is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe (COOPEC AKEPE) is a savings and credit cooperative operating as a decentralized financial system in Togo. As a mutualist microfinance institution, it provides financial services to members who are excluded from traditional banking channels. COOPEC AKEPE is part of the broader network of over 70 officially recognized decentralized financial systems in Togo that collectively serve more than 4.2 million members across the country.

The cooperative operates under Togo's legal framework for decentralized financial systems. It is regulated by the Ministry of Finance and supervised by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the West African Monetary Union (WAMU) Banking Commission.

Question 2

When was Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe founded?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe was officially recognized on April 23, 2001. The institution received its operating authorization under decree number 088/MEFP/SG/CAS-IMEC and was registered with identification number T/1/AVAK/2001/0080A.

The cooperative was established during a period of significant growth in Togo's microfinance sector. This era followed the promulgation of Law No. 95-014 in July 1995, which established the legal framework for mutual institutions and savings and credit cooperatives in the country.

Question 3

Where is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe headquartered?

Accepted Answer

The cooperative is headquartered in Aképé, a locality in the Maritime Region of Togo. The institution maintains its primary operations in this community, serving local members and their financial needs.

As a community-based financial cooperative, COOPEC AKEPE focuses its activities on serving the population in and around Aképé.

Question 4

Where does Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe operate?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe operates primarily in the Aképé area within Togo's Maritime Region. The cooperative serves local communities in this region, focusing on members who have limited access to conventional banking services.

The institution's geographic focus aligns with the decentralized model of Togolese microfinance. This model emphasizes serving specific localities and communities rather than operating nationwide branch networks.

Question 5

What services does Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe offer?

Accepted Answer

As a savings and credit cooperative, COOPEC AKEPE provides fundamental financial services to its members, including:

Savings products: Members can open accounts and make regular deposits to build their financial reserves. The cooperative mobilizes savings from members, which serves as the foundation for its lending activities.

Credit facilities: The institution provides loans to members based on their savings capacity and creditworthiness. These loans support various economic activities, including small business development, agricultural production, and personal financial needs.

Membership benefits: As a cooperative structure, members benefit from mutual support and collective financial management. The institution operates on democratic principles where members have ownership and decision-making rights.

The cooperative requires members to save before accessing credit. This approach ensures financial discipline and creates a stable resource base for lending operations.

Question 6

What makes Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe unique?

Accepted Answer

COOPEC AKEPE distinguishes itself through its community-focused approach to financial inclusion. Unlike traditional banks that concentrate in urban centers, the cooperative brings financial services directly to local communities in Aképé.

The institution operates under the mutualist principle, meaning it is owned and controlled by its members. This structure ensures that financial services are designed to meet genuine community needs rather than maximize external profits.

As part of Togo's decentralized financial system network, COOPEC AKEPE contributes to the broader national goal of expanding financial access. The microfinance sector in Togo has demonstrated strong growth, with deposits reaching nearly 436 billion CFA francs and outstanding loans totaling approximately 395 billion CFA francs as of early 2025.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe?

Accepted Answer

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe is classified as a Système Financier Décentralisé (Decentralized Financial System or SFD) under Togolese law. More specifically, it operates as a savings and credit cooperative (coopérative d'épargne et de crédit).

This institutional category is distinct from commercial banks and represents the microfinance sector in Togo. SFDs are regulated under Law No. 2011-009 of May 12, 2011, which governs decentralized financial systems in the country. This framework, adapted from the PARMEC Law (Projet d'Appui à la Réglementation sur les Mutuelles d'Épargne et de Crédit) used across West African Monetary Union countries, provides specific regulations for cooperative financial institutions.

As an SFD, COOPEC AKEPE must comply with prudential norms established by the BCEAO and the WAMU Banking Commission. The institution is also required to adhere to a deposit guarantee system, ensuring member protection.

Coopérative d'Épargne et de Crédit Akepe

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