The International Cooperative Alliance–Africa (ICA-Africa) has announced the election of new and returning members to its Board during the 18th ICA-Africa Regional Assembly, marking the start of a new four-year term for the organization’s leadership. Among those elected is Mr. Macloud Malonza from Kenya, who will serve as the Vice President of ICA-Africa.
Mr. Malonza is currently the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) Chairman, the national organization that represents over 22,000 cooperative societies and more than 15 million members across the country. His election as Vice President brings to ICA-Africa extensive experience in cooperative leadership, policy development, and organizational management.
With a long career in the cooperative movement, Mr. Malonza has previously served as the Vice Chairman of the CAK Board and in various other key leadership positions. He is also the Chairman of Harambee Sacco Society Limited, one of Africa’s largest and most successful savings and credit cooperatives, as well as the Chairman of Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited, which holds a majority share in the Co-operative Bank of Kenya.
Mr. Malonza is a trained management and organizational development professional, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master’s in Organizational Change and Development, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Information Systems. He has completed several senior management and strategic development courses, equipping him with considerable knowledge relevant to cooperative leadership and governance.
For his contributions to Kenya, Mr. Malonza has received two Presidential Awards: the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Head of State Commendation (HSC). His leadership within the cooperative movement has significantly contributed to the growth, stability, and modernization of cooperative institutions in Kenya.
As Vice President of ICA-Africa, Mr. Malonza will support the implementation of the organization’s strategic objectives aimed at promoting the cooperative business model across the continent. His role will involve close collaboration with the ICA-Africa President, the Board, and regional stakeholders to advance member engagement, policy advocacy, and sustainable cooperative development.
During the assembly, several other leaders from across the continent were also elected to the ICA-Africa Board to serve in various capacities. High Chief Ayeola Tajudeen Oriyomi of Nigeria was elected as the President of ICA-Africa, bringing over 26 years of experience in cooperative governance and currently serving as the President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN).
Other elected members include Mr. Mesfin Gebreslassie Gereger from Ethiopia, Mr. Waindim Timothy Ntam from Cameroon, Mr. Obateng from Botswana, Ms. Nelisiwe Moerane from South Africa, and Mr. Ronald from Zimbabwe. Each member brings unique expertise in cooperative management, governance, financial administration, and youth or gender inclusion.
