The upcoming Second Joint Cooperative Conference is scheduled to take place in Mombasa from November 4 to 8, 2024. The conference aims to bridge the gap between cooperatives and technology by showcasing how digital solutions can enhance cooperative structures across Africa. With the theme “Digital Africa Rising,” it will bring together cooperative stakeholders, technology experts, and scholars to discuss the adoption of new digital tools and strategies within the sector.
Patrick Kilemi, the Public Secretary for Cooperatives, met with Prof. Kamau Ngamau, Vice Chancellor of the Cooperative University of Kenya, to assess the logistics and program for the event. The Secretary confirmed that the Ministry of Cooperatives is fully committed to ensuring a successful conference, describing it as a “significant moment” for the cooperative movement to explore opportunities presented by technology.
Both the Cooperative University of Kenya and the Ministry of Cooperatives emphasized that the conference will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange among cooperative leaders and IT specialists. Experts will discuss the transformative potential of digital tools, showcasing innovations that could improve cooperatives’ efficiency, transparency, and customer reach. Key topics will likely include digital financial services, cloud-based management systems, and mobile solutions for cooperative members.
The conference also addresses the urgent need for cooperatives to modernize. Across Africa, cooperatives play a vital role in various sectors, from agriculture to banking, but they often face challenges due to outdated operational models. By adopting digital tools, cooperatives can better serve their members, streamline financial transactions, and enhance transparency.
The Secretary’s remarks highlighted the conference’s potential impact, urging cooperative stakeholders to seize the opportunities it presents. “This conference is a platform for cooperatives to adapt to a changing world,” the Secretary noted, emphasizing how technology can help cooperatives remain relevant and competitive in an evolving market.
The “Digital Africa Rising” conference arrives at a time when African economies are increasingly adopting digital solutions, reshaping traditional sectors and driving growth. By positioning cooperatives at the forefront of this digital shift, the organizers hope to inspire significant advancements that will benefit cooperative members across the continent.
