- ACCOSCA is seeking stronger partnerships to build trust and advance SACCO development across Africa.
- The organisation says collaboration with regulators, government and media can strengthen cooperative institutions and policy engagement.
- Stakeholders have called for stronger cross border cooperation as African economies become more interconnected.
The African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) is seeking deeper partnerships with regulators, government agencies and the media to strengthen Saccos and cooperative finance. Through this push, it aims to enhance public trust, policy engagement and cross-border cooperation across Africa.
ACCOSCA, which has attained diplomatic status in Kenya, said the recognition would provide a stronger platform for engaging policymakers and development partners. At the same time, it would support efforts to build cooperative institutions capable of operating across national borders.
Collaboration at the centre of ACCOSCA’s strategy
Speaking during a high-level stakeholder forum in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 26, ACCOSCA Head of Mission George Ombado said collaboration with different stakeholders would be central to the organisation’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector.
“Together, like the spider web in the Ethiopian proverb, our combined strength can achieve far more than any of us can accomplish alone,” Ombado said.
According to him, stronger partnerships would also help improve public understanding of Saccos and their contribution to economic development.
Media’s role in building public trust
The organisation further highlighted the media’s role in promoting public education and strengthening confidence in cooperatives. Notably, it noted that access to accurate information was essential in building public trust.
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Echoing this, Royal Media Services Editorial Director said the cooperative movement relies heavily on public trust, which cannot be cultivated without effective information and public education.
The forum brought together stakeholders from the cooperative sector, government and media to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration. Together, they explored how to position cooperatives to contribute more effectively to Africa’s economic development.
Stronger institutions for an interconnected Africa
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi said stronger institutions were necessary as African economies become increasingly interconnected.
“At a time when our economies are becoming increasingly interconnected, Africa requires institutions that can promote cooperation across borders and translate continental aspirations into meaningful benefits for the citizens of this continent,” Kilemi said.
Ultimately, the stakeholders called for sustained engagement among regulators, cooperative institutions, development partners and the media. This, they said, would strengthen the sector and ensure Saccos remain effective drivers for financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
By Bernard Magada
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