Who we are

Afriland First Bank saw the light of day in Cameroon in 1987 under the name of Caisse Commune d'Epargne et d'Investissement. The economic environment at the time was characterized by an unfavourable economic situation and the generalized bankruptcy of banks.

Four observations led to the creation of the First bank, notably:

• 60% of the business activity in Cameroon is not accounted for in the calculation of the GDP, since it emanates from the informal sector ; yet this activity creates wealth;

• a majority of people living in rural areas are excluded from the banking system;

• investors are not sufficiently prepared to meet production requirements;

• the financial system is mostly dominated by tontines and loan sharks.

From these observations, emerged the firm convictions that: The development of Africa is incumbent on Africans; Economic development should be supported through the promotion of entrepreneurship and through investment; Some forms of savings exist in communities despite poverty; and lastly, There is need to promote the growth of enterprises.

These convictions led to the identification of four objectives, namely:

-Promoting the emergence of a new breed of african entrepreneurs; -Creating business gateways between the formal and informal sectors of the economy;

-Enhancing access of the rural world to the banking system;

-Supporting the development of existing companies.

Hence the birth of the First Bank and the designing, by its promoters, of specific banking products, adapted to the African context. The first counter, opened in the current Retraite branch (Yaounde), went operational on 1st July 1988. The bank today has over 30 branches distributed in all 10 regions of Cameroon as well as offices abroad.

Vision

Today, Afriland First Bank or First Bank represents: the determination of Africans to fight against poverty and own their destiny;

the revalorisation of African cultures in order to make them the base of an awareness and development policy;

the provision of financing alternatives for African private initiatives;

the recognition of SMEs/SMIs as pillars of economic recovery; the demonstration of confidence in Africa’s youth and African education, a synonym of projecting into the future;

vitality through thought, action and innovation in a fast changing world ;

the provision of top quality services.

Our Values  

• Labour is the only source of wealth, self-enhancement and business development.

• Satisfying customers is our priority.

• Courtesy, humility, education and information are nutrients of progress.

• Fairness ensures social cohesion and progress.

• Common sense urges us to reach decisions by consensus.

• Time invested for training is always rewarding.

• Savings is the key to social and economic success.

• The company is a combat squad and we are generals and soldiers. • Our financial and banking responsibilities bring about more compelling duties:

o duty to actively contribute to the development of our country, as the only way to be proud of it and make it more respectable internationally;

o duty to promote applied research, scientific, economic and social development;

o duty to reconcile progress with national culture.

• Liberty, Equity, Accountability.