ICA says cooperatives are key to poverty alleviation, community cohesion

*Urges African govts to create enabling environment for cooperatives to strive

Stakeholders at the 16th International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Africa Regional Assembly, yesterday, reiterated the important role of cooperatives, especially in the area of human development, poverty alleviation and community cohesion across Africa.

It said that in Nigeria, for example, cooperative organisations have the potential to reduce poverty, provided they adhere to strong values, commitment to cooperative principles.

It urged African governments to make policies for cooperatives to strive in Africa.

The conference, themed ‘’Cooperatives for a sustainable Africa’ drew participants from across Africa.

In his opening remarks, the President, International Co-operative Alliance, Africa [ICA-Africa], Chief Ayeola Oriyomi, said cooperatives are oriented towards wealth creation, social protection of members and the community at large, hence they are more than just a concept.

He said: ‘’Cooperatives serve their members most efficiently and strengthen relationship by working together through local, national, regional and international structures. I, therefore, urge you not only to try to recognise the extraordinary potential of cooperatives but also to reflect on the challenges and opportunities to foster partnerships and collaborations between cooperatives, civil society organisations and development agencies in support of sustainable development in Africa.’’

In his remarks, the ICA-Africa Regional Director, Dr. Chiyoge Sifa, said the main objective of the conference was to, among other things, identify ways cooperatives in Africa can further foster sustainable livelihood and development in the continent, how they could promote peace and development for a sustainable Africa, and evidence of fostering partnerships and collaborations between cooperatives, governments, civil society organisations and international development agencies to support sustainable development in Africa.

She lamented: ‘’Africa stands at the crossroads, we have witnessed significant progress in recent years, yet myriad challenges persist.”

She described Sub-Saharan Africa as an extremely diverse region on one hand, but on the other, composed of low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high-income countries, 22 of which are fragile or conflicts-affected.

“In addition, over 40 per cent of the African population lived in extreme poverty as of 202, according to the World Bank, the Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest poverty rate globally, with over 40 per cent of its population living on less than $1.90 a day.’’ According to her, cooperatives have emerged as a compelling force, addressing these challenges head-on, adding: “The International Cooperative Alliance said that cooperatives worldwide generates over $3 trillion in revenue and provide over 20 million jobs, in Africa, play vital roles in agriculture, finance and energy sectors contributing to economic stability and livelihood enhancement.’’

In his contribution, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mannasseh Mutfwang, announced that his state has one of the most organised cooperative society in Nigeria, saying: ‘’To my knowledge, the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the university have a very robust cooperative society that is contributing very well to the economy of the state’’.

Represented by the Coordinator, Plateau State Liason Director, Abuja, Chief Danladi Mwantok, the governor urge African governments to provide enabling environment for cooperative societies to thrive as their survival will deliver economic dividends to the continent.

Earlier in his welcome address on behalf of the host, Garba Labaran, described the conference as a testament to a shared dedication to cooperation as a force for good

He said: “It serves as a platform for us to explore innovative solutions, exchange experiences and cultivate enduring partnerships. Together, we will investigate how we can harness the collective strength of our movement to tackle critical issues such as sustainable agriculture, economic resilience and community development.’’