Press Statement International Credit Union Day 2026 107 views

Cooperative Finance: A Steady Signal in a Noisy World

Banjul, The Gambia, 15 October 2026.

The National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG) joins the global credit union movement in celebrating the 78th anniversary of International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) under the theme “Cooperative Finance: A Steady Signal in a Noisy World.”

Celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October since 1948, International Credit Union Day recognizes the history and achievements of credit unions and highlights their contribution to financial inclusion and socioeconomic development. According to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), more than 67,000 credit unions serve over 400 million members in more than 100 countries worldwide, demonstrating the strength and reach of cooperative finance.

In The Gambia, the credit union movement continues to make significant contributions to financial inclusion and community development. As of June 2026, the country had 42 credit unions serving more than 130,000 members, with savings exceeding GMD4 billion and total assets of over GMD5 billion. These achievements reflect the movement’s growing role in mobilising local savings and providing accessible financial services to Gambians across the country.

However, significant opportunities remain to expand the reach of cooperative finance in The Gambia. With a population of approximately 2.4 million, the country’s over 130,000 credit union members represent only about 5.4% of the population. This means that the vast majority of Gambians are yet to become members of a credit union. NACCUG therefore calls on government institutions, development partners, community leaders, financial sector stakeholders and the general public to support the movement’s membership recruitment drive and encourage more Gambians to join credit unions.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of trust, responsible financial management and collective action in an increasingly uncertain world. As member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions offer an inclusive model that prioritizes members’ needs, encourages a savings culture and supports individuals, families and communities to build financial resilience.

NACCUG remains committed to strengthening credit unions through improved governance, institutional sustainability and expanded access to cooperative financial services. By working together, we can ensure that more Gambians benefit from the opportunities offered by the credit unions.

NACCUG wishes all credit union members, leaders, partners and stakeholders a happy International Credit Union Day 2026!

Together, let us strengthen cooperative finance and build a more inclusive financial future for all Gambians.