The Cooperative Movement in Africa has been honored at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference where different officials were awarded.
Amb. Emmanuel O. Darko, ACCOSCA Goodwill Ambassador and Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cooperative Credit Unions Association, awarded with the Prestigious 2025 Distinguished Service Award – the highest cooperative honor bestowed by World Council of Credit Unions, at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference, currently underway in Stockholm, Sweden.
World Council of Credit Unions Board Chairperson Michael Lawrence noted that the DSA award recognizes Darko’s decades of servant leadership, transformative impact on the credit union movement in Africa, and sustained mark of excellence in advancing the global credit union movement.
African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations Executive Director George Ombado, who is also a Board Member of the World Council of Credit Unions, affirmed Amb. Darko’s resolute cooperative leadership has catalyzed sustainable economic empowerment in underserved communities across Africa.
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Ombado noted that the 2025 DSA Award was a moment of pride for Africa and a constant reminder that servant leadership rooted in service truly transcends borders.
While receiving the award, Amb. Darko dedicated the award to all cooperators working to shape the trajectory of the global cooperative movement.
Darko has supported the growth and development of SACCOs across Africa through his work with partners like World Council of Credit Unions, ILCU International Development Foundation, Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada, and others.
The 2025 WCUC also saw Africa DE graduates recognized for a sustained mark of excellence
Kefilwe Masalila (ADE, AADE) – Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Savings and Credit Cooperative Association (Botswana) was awarded the coveted World Young Credit Union Professional (WYCUP) Award.
Jo Ha (I-CUDE, ADE) – Chief Executive Officer of the Community Savings Credit Union (Canada) was awarded the 2025 Global Women Leadership Network (GWLN) Scholarship.
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Sibongile Prudence Vilakati (AADE, DEEU) – Chief Executive Officer of the Hlalawati Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited (Kingdom of Eswatini), who was also awarded the the 2025 Global Women Leadership Network (GWLN) Scholarship
The 2025 WCUC also saw Steven Stapp (USA) – CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union (USA) and former WOCCU Chairperson, awarded the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
By Obegi Malack
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