Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, has called on African governments to embrace the Cooperative Model Law as a reference point for national legislation aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement across the continent.
Speaking during the 14th Africa Ministerial Cooperative Conference (AMCCO) held in Nairobi, CS Oparanya emphasized the need for supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that promote cooperative growth, sustainability, and community empowerment. He urged governments to invest in education, capacity building, research, and international cooperation to fortify their cooperative systems and learn from one another.
“The cooperative business model offers one of the most powerful pathways to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa,” said Oparanya. “Our partnerships must evolve into strategic, outcome-driven collaborations that integrate rural and underserved communities into the wider economy.”
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He cited projections from the African Development Bank showing a positive growth trajectory for the continent, with economic growth expected to rise from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 4.0 percent by 2026. He attributed this trend to recoveries in key economies and the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he described as a game-changer for trade, integration, and financial harmonization.
CS Oparanya commended the International Cooperative Alliance–Africa and the Pan African Parliament for their work on the Cooperative Model Law, saying it will serve as a vital tool for harmonizing cooperative practices and embedding best practices across member states.
“I urge us all to move boldly from commitment to action. Let us build stronger partnerships, starting from our communities to the global sphere, and unleash the full potential of the cooperative movement,” he said.
By Masaki Enock
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