Platform gateways
Members pay in via Stripe, Paystack, or other enabled gateways. When it is time to pay out, Sousou routes settlements to the payout account your circle admins and treasurers configure—no separate star or peer‑to‑peer ledger modes.
Circles in Sousou
How circles are built: contributions, operations, and amounts
Every circle combines a few building blocks: how members pay in through Sousou’s gateways, what the group is trying to do (donations, savings, or round‑robin payouts), and whether everyone pays the same fixed sum or a flexible range. Start from a template that matches your tradition, then customise names, amounts, and payout details once everyone has joined.
Payments and settlements
Contributions are collected through platform payment gateways. Settlements are sent to payout details configured on the circle, round, turn, or recipient profile.
What the circle is for
The operation type sets expectations: is money rotating, staying as personal savings, or pooling for causes?
Donations
Best when the group is funding causes, mutual aid, or shared projects rather than a strict rotating payout. You still define amounts, frequency, and who approves payouts so the story stays transparent.
Savings
Members build balances over time—often with flexible amounts—without a rotating pot each round. Ideal for clubs that want discipline and visibility but not a strict turn‑taking payout schedule.
Round robin
The classic rotating model: each round one member receives the pooled contributions from everyone else, and after everyone has received once you have completed a full rotation. Most traditional templates use this pattern.
Fixed vs flexible amounts
Amount type controls whether everyone pays exactly the same number each period or chooses an amount inside an agreed band.
Fixed
Every active member pays the same amount every round. Simple arithmetic, predictable pots, and easy conversations when someone joins or leaves.
Flexible
Each payment falls between a minimum and maximum you set together. Helpful when incomes vary week to week while the group still wants shared discipline.
Built‑in circle templates
These presets mirror real‑world traditions from Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, India, and global community formats. Pick one to prefill sensible defaults—then rename the circle, tune amounts (where your rules allow), and set the payout order after members join.
Templates are starting points, not contracts. Your circle’s final rules are whatever everyone agrees on inside the app and in conversation.
- Round robinFixed amountNG
Ajo
Traditional Nigerian rotating savings scheme (ROSCA). A trusted group of members each contribute a fixed amount weekly, and one member receives the full pot each round. The cycle continues until everyone has received once — fostering discipline, trust, and mutual financial support.
- SavingsFlexible amountNG
Akawo
A flexible daily savings circle popular in Nigeria. Members contribute any amount within a set range each day, building personal savings over time. Ideal for individuals with irregular income who want a disciplined way to save small amounts consistently.
- Round robinFixed amountNG
Esusu
One of Nigeria's oldest and most respected rotating savings traditions. Members contribute a fixed amount monthly, and each month one person collects the entire pool. Often used for large purchases, emergencies, or starting a small business — built on community trust.
- Round robinFixed amountCM
Njiangi
Cameroon's beloved rotating savings group. Members meet weekly (often in person) to contribute a fixed amount, which is then given to one member. The admin or host collects and distributes funds. A cornerstone of Cameroonian communal finance and social bonding.
- Round robinFixed amountGA
Tontine
A French-influenced monthly rotating savings association widespread across Central African states (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Chad) and West African Francophone countries (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin). Members pool fixed contributions and take turns receiving the lump sum. Often includes social gatherings and is used to finance weddings, funerals, school fees, or business ventures.
- Round robinFixed amountKE
Chama
Kenya's popular informal savings and investment group. Members contribute a fixed amount regularly (often monthly) to a common pool. Funds can be rotated to members, invested collectively, or used for group projects. Chamas range from simple ROSCAs to sophisticated investment clubs.
- Round robinFixed amountKE
Merry-Go-Round
A Kenyan rotating savings circle where members contribute weekly and one person "wins" the pot each round. Simple, transparent, and time-tested — perfect for groups of friends, colleagues, or neighbors who want to help each other save for specific goals.
- Round robinFixed amountZA
Stokvel
South Africa's deeply rooted community savings club. Members make regular fixed contributions to a shared pool. Funds may be rotated, invested, or used for bulk purchasing (e.g., groceries in December). Stokvels are central to township economies and community resilience.
- DonationsFixed amountZA
Burial Society
A South African mutual aid society focused on funeral and bereavement expenses. Members contribute monthly to ensure that when a member or close relative passes, the family receives financial support for dignified burial arrangements.
- Round robinFixed amountJM
Partner
Jamaica's traditional rotating savings scheme (locally called "Partner" or "Pardner"). A banker organizes members who each contribute a fixed "hand" weekly or monthly. Each round, one member draws the full pot. Trust-based and widely used across the Caribbean for savings goals.
- Round robinFixed amountMX
Tanda
Mexico's popular informal rotating savings group. Members (often coworkers, friends, or family) contribute a fixed amount on a regular schedule, and one person receives the full sum each round. An accessible way to save for appliances, school fees, holidays, or emergencies.
- Round robinFixed amountIN
Chit Fund
India's well-known savings-and-credit scheme. Members contribute a fixed amount monthly into a common pool. Each month, the pot is auctioned or drawn, and one member receives it (minus a small discount or fee). Combines savings discipline with access to lump-sum funds.
- Round robinFixed amountIN
Kitty Party
A social savings tradition popular among Indian women. Members meet monthly (often rotating homes), contribute a fixed sum, and one member takes the pot via draw or rotation. Combines financial savings with community bonding, food, and celebration.
- DonationsFlexible amountGlobal
Community Fund
A flexible donation circle for supporting community causes, charities, or group projects. Members contribute any amount within a defined range whenever they can. Ideal for fundraising drives, emergency relief, or ongoing philanthropic efforts.
- SavingsFlexible amountGlobal
Savings Club
A general-purpose savings circle for any group of friends, family, or colleagues. Members contribute flexible amounts weekly to build personal savings. No rotation — each member grows their own balance. Great for building an emergency fund or saving toward a goal.
- Round robinFixed amountGlobal
Investment Club
A circle for pooling fixed monthly contributions to invest collectively in stocks, property, or business ventures. Members share the returns and risks. Requires strong governance, transparency, and trust among participants.
Ready to start your circle?
Download Sousou and set up your first savings group in minutes. Choose a template, invite your members, and start building financial resilience together.
