In northern Côte d'Ivoire, the village of Sinigoro (sub-prefecture of Sifié, Kabadogou region) is celebrating the success of a solidarity-based financial model. With the completion of five Community Development and Mutual Aid Associations (VDSAs), the residents are giving a highly positive assessment of an initiative that has radically changed their lives.

Local commerce boosted by mutual support

On the main street of Sinigoro, a small fish shop catches everyone's eye. Early every morning, Bakayoko Nonsidé weighs and sells his fresh fish there, right before the villagers' eyes. More than just a business, this shop is a symbol of collective success.

Created through the AVEC (Victorian Solidarity Economy) program, the business, named "Victoire," has been able to grow thanks to internal loans. "Thanks to AVEC, we were able to open this fish shop and obtain loans to expand our business," says Ms. Bakayoko proudly. She also emphasizes the overall impact on the village: "Today, every woman has her own business. This allows us to finance our children's school supplies. There's no need to go to town to look for money; everything is done here."

A Sunday of celebration and transparent accounting

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the village came alive to celebrate the end of the cycle and the sharing of savings from five of the seven Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in the area. Dressed in colorful pagnes, the women welcomed the delegation from the regional directorate of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, led by Touré Nebadé , with songs and dances.

Under the apatam, the atmosphere was one of rigor and joy:

1. Opening of the iron crates secured by heavy keys.
2. The treasurers meticulously counted the banknotes.
3. Systematic verification of the conformity between savings books and actual funds, under the supervision of the ceremony coordinator, Moussa Dosso .

“VSLAs are a true school of life. They promote access to credit, strengthen social cohesion, and empower women. This model deserves to be replicated everywhere.” – Touré Nebadé

A "silent revolution" hailed by the community

The success of this initiative lies in the financial independence it provides. Kassoum Camara , head of the Solidarity and Humanitarian Action department, revealed that some groups have raised more than 6 million FCFA in just nine months.

1. An alternative to banks: Dean Koné Notefri , advisor to the structures, recalled the difficult beginnings in 2023 before welcoming the progress: "Women and young people are now financing their projects without the help of banks. It's a silent revolution."
2. A shield against seasonal hardship: Koné Penanyana , a local farmer, testifies to the usefulness of the fund: “Access to funds allowed me to get through the rainy season, a critical period. I was able to borrow for my family and repay after my work. I encourage everyone to join AVEC.”

Impressive performance indicators

Supported by the institutional framework of the State, statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of this savings system:

A dynamic at the regional and national level

The impact extends beyond the borders of Sinigoro. By comparison, the neighboring Worodougou region already had 115 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) by 2025, with over 101 million CFA francs mobilized. Proof of this success, the Ivorian government has officially recognized VSLA status through a decree on the social and solidarity economy, paving the way for their deployment throughout the entire country.

Conclusion: A model for the future

In Sinigoro, discipline and mutual trust have transformed tin boxes and notebooks into genuine engines of development. By placing women at the heart of local governance and the economy, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) demonstrate that community solidarity remains one of the most powerful levers for building sustainable prosperity in rural areas.