Africa’s Co-operative growth anchored on Good Governance
The 21st SACCA Congress recently held in Kwale highlighted the success of the co-operative movement in the African continent with the underlying message stressing the need for good governance and leadership.
The conference was organized by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA). It attracted participants from about 28 countries, providing an excellent opportunity to address challenges and improve the Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies Business Model.
Outgoing ACCOSCA Chairperson Cambridge Mdlalose from Eswatini urged co-operative leaders to allow a smooth leadership transition when their time comes to exit their organizations.
“The growth of the Africa co-operative movement is as a result of good leadership over the years. We as leaders we must ensure that we hold the principle of good governance at all times,” said Mdlalose.
This, he noted, will promote the growth of co-operatives, increase membership and enable financial stability.
Mdlalose highlighted ACCOSCA’s success in supporting the sustainable development of co-operatives across Africa. “We intend to establish Africa Academy for Co-operatives and a study is being carried out to establish its viability,” he said.
He said ACCOSCA was also in the process of acquiring diplomatic status from the Kenyan Government.
Co-operative Principal Secretary Ali Noor said the government will consider the request adding that ACCOSCA has initiated changes in the co-operative movement all over Africa.
Noor noted that leadership makes the difference between success and failure of institutions, calling on co-operative leaders and managers to carefully consider their legacy when they leave office.
“Legacy is important for any leader, good governance is key to ensure co-operatives remain resilient and grow in the face of challenges,” said the PS
Speakers during the congress highlighted the need to use the Saccos’ resilience and dynamism for the national and international cooperative framework that deepens financial inclusion and access.
“The Congress engaged CEOs on how to implement strategies in times of crisis, Board members on enhancing servant leadership in Saccos, and Committee and Compliance teams on developing practical and effective risk management frameworks,” said Mdlalose.
Over 1000 co-operators from all over the world attended the conference that also addressed topical issues facing Saccos and how to promote sustainable co-operative financial institutions.
The congress was held in Kwale under the theme: Resilience of the co-operative Business Model in integration and sustainable Network Development.
“Effective management of economic vehicles such as the cooperative sector and their networks sit at the core of sustainable development of countries in Africa,” said Noor.
