By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Thousands of Cameroonians are embarking on new entrepreneurial journeys after the fifth edition of the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity Organization (MASO) initiative. Held July 5 at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, the event saw attendees win startup capital and essential tools, turning dreams into reality.
The event was chaired by Mfoundi Senior Divisional Officer Emmanuel Meriel Djitdent and Rev. Emmanuel Noël Bissaï, CEO of RENAPROV S.A., among other personalities.
Following a raffle draw, MASO members received startup capital ranging from FCFA 100,000 to FCFA 2 million. Mutualists also won tricycles, cars, motorcycles, and even taxis, directly empowering recipients to become entrepreneurs.
Chris Wamaranaji, an aesthetician and one of the first members drawn, expressed immense joy after winning FCFA 100,000. “I don’t know, but thank God for everything,” he said, adding the capital would help him buy necessary work materials. “I encourage all Cameroonians to join MASO because it is a reality.”
Another fortunate winner shared their initial skepticism. “For me, it was a game to waste time. I didn’t know it was serious. I am happy that I was selected and this will help me to solve my problems and become an entrepreneur. I invite everyone to come to MASO. MASO is serious.”
Mangwa Kamje, who won a furnished house, attributed her success to divine intervention, noting it was her first time participating. “When I left my house this morning, I prayed and asked God for His directives, and now I am happy. MASO is real. Cameroonians, this is a good initiative.”
While some expressed disappointment at not winning, many voiced hope for MASO Act 6 next year. “I encourage everyone to join MASO because the initiative has transformed countless lives,” one attendee remarked, “We are the ones who can empower ourselves.”
Rev. Noël Bissaï expressed gratitude to the mutualists, stating their presence was “proof of shaping their own identity and building their future through our own initiatives.”
He stated that Africa’s development will be built on “the idea and the action,” aimed at fostering a spirit of solidarity. “I believe that the sons and daughters of the African continent, more particularly of our dear beautiful country of Cameroon, will benefit from the benefits of solidarity and will lead a dignified life,” Bissaï said. “Alone, we can do nothing. Solidary, we will be strong and we will be able to tell the whole world that we exist.”
Rev. Bissaï stressed the importance of unity. “Let us work together in order to raise the well-being of all without distinction of sex, of tribe, of community, or of any other opinion,” he urged. “United, we will be strong… and our country will become powerful and prosperous.”
Mfoundi SDO Meriel Djitdent also offered encouragement. “Today, we celebrate… especially for those touched by the divine hand of God. To those who haven’t won today, remember, your lucky day is on the horizon. Don’t be discouraged,” he remarked.
MASO is an initiative of RENAPROV Finance S.A., a microfinance institution established in 1996 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With 28 branches across Cameroon, RENAPROV Finance S.A. is a significant player in the country’s microfinance sector.
MASO aims to promote the African spirit of solidarity, alleviate poverty and unemployment, and empower individuals to become entrepreneurs. Membership requires a daily contribution of FCFA 100, a weekly FCFA 500, or a yearly FCFA 26,000.
MASO membership offers numerous benefits, including interest-free financing, housing assistance, and life event support, providing a safety net and improving members’ lives. It also helps members save money and secure their future, recognizing financial illiteracy as a societal issue.
The program includes various sub-groups such as the Mutual of Road Transport Professionals of Cameroon (MUPTROC) and Mutual of Assistance and Solidarity of Actors of Very Small Business and Small Commerce (MUASAPEPC), among others.