On November 29, 2025, INADES-Formation Burkina assisted the Groupe d’Epargne et de Crédit (GEC) Wend la Panga de Souri with the distribution of dividends from its members’ contributions. Located in the Mouhoun province, Bankui region, Souri is a village where INADES-Formation Burkina supports the empowerment of rural women.
Saturday, November 29, 2025, a special day in Souri. Under the first rays of sunshine, the women converge in small groups towards their usual meeting place. They greet each other, exchange a few quiet words and settle in. It’s the day for sharing the dividends from their GEC: each will leave with the fruit of her savings. Once they’ve said their goodbyes, the GEC’s safe is opened, and the available money is counted under the watchful eye and guidance of the INADES-Formation Burkina team.
As the year progressed, the amounts were announced aloud, verified collectively, punctuated by nods and murmurs of approval. At the end of the financial year, the results are very interesting: 2,953,500 FCFA raised through membership fees and 365,400 FCFA in profits generated by internal loans. Applause and laughter abound. The women are proud, proud of their achievements and proud of their group. The dividend distribution session crowns a year of commitment and rigorous management.
For Paul Sawadogo, Project Manager at INADES-Formation Burkina, this initiative responds to a clearly identified need: “. Our starting point was the observation that women had difficulty in mobilizing funds to meet their needs. We therefore felt it necessary to support them in setting up this GEC, which would enable them to address this concern. “
Set up with the support of INADES-Formation Burkina, the GEC Wend la Panga has become over time a real space of solidarity and empowerment for the women of Souri. ” Before, it was difficult for us to raise even 20,000 francs for our needs in a single year. But today, thanks to the GEC and the support of INADES-Formation Burkina, we are able to raise substantial sums. confides GEC member Barguissa Niampa, visibly moved as she receives her share. For many of these women, these resources will enable them to invest in agricultural activities, strengthen small businesses or meet urgent family expenses. Beyond the financial aspect, the distribution of dividends reflects a profound transformation. ” Thanks to what we have learned with INADES-Formation Burkina, we now know how to save, plan and use money to improve our living conditions “, explains Maimouna Belem.
The support provided by INADES-Formation Burkina places particular emphasis on the good governance of Savings and Credit Groups (GECs), the transparency of operations and the empowerment of members. In Souri, the experience of the Wend la Panga cooperative provides a concrete illustration of the impact of INADES-Formation Burkina’s commitment to community microfinance. By structuring community savings and credit initiatives, it is helping to build communities that are more autonomous, supportive and confident in their future.
Like the GEC Wend la Panga, many other cooperatives supported by INADES-Formation Burkina are pursuing this dynamic throughout the country. These experiences confirm that collective savings and solidarity are essential levers for sustainable, equitable local development driven by the communities themselves.
Julio Yaméogo
