As the world marked this year’s International Day of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives: Driving inclusive and dustainable solutions for a better world,” students of the University of Bamenda, Uba found themselves immersed in a rare behind the scenes experience at the North West Cooperative Association Ltd (NWCA Ltd) which is one of Cameroon’s oldest and most respected cooperative institutions.
Group picture at the end of visit
The educational excursion, which was part of commemorations of the global day, allowed students to gain practical insight into the cooperative movement and the coffee value chain from the intricacies of cooperative governance to the final packaging of world class coffee products bound for international markets.
Under the guidance of NWCA Ltd Administrator, Mathew Ngangwa and other service collaborators, the students were taken on a full tour of the cooperative’s operations. From the busy administrative offices to the coffee processing plants, it was a chance to witness firsthand the organisation’s impressive integration of tradition, innovation, and cooperative principles.
One of the standout moments of the visit was the students' introduction to Kola Coffee, NWCA’s flagship brand. Carefully produced and marketed by the cooperative, the premium coffee has earned a reputation abroad not only for its rich flavour profile but also for the story it carries which is one of community ownership inspired by the over 35000 farmers who make up the cooperative, and high standards.
Students described the experience as “eye opening,” with many expressing pride that such an institution exists in their region.
On the sidelines of the visit, NWCA Ltd General Manager, Waindim Timothy Ntam, spoke to Hilltopvoices about the organisation’s approach to inclusion and sustainability, aligning with this year’s International Day of Cooperatives theme.
“Inclusion is central to everything we do. We have actively recruited members of minority communities, such as the Fulani mostly women, into our operations as vendors and coffee pickers. We also work with organisations that support persons with disabilities. This is not charity, it is a recognition that everyone has a role to play in building a better NWCA Ltd and a better world.” he explained
Waindim Timothy added that the cooperative remains open to young people and academic institutions, seeing them as key partners in strengthening the coffee and cocoa value chains.
“We believe students bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and energy. Our doors will always be open to them.” he noted
Celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July, the International Day of Cooperatives is a United Nations recognised event that traces its roots to 1923. It seeks to raise awareness about the role of cooperatives in advancing social justice, community resilience, and economic inclusion.
For the students of the University of Bamenda, this year’s observance was a moment of connection with a living example of cooperative success. At NWCA Ltd, they found a model of how collective ownership, professionalism, and social responsibility can be woven into a powerful economic force, one coffee bean at a time.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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