Story by Memory Chamisa
ZIMBABWE is showcasing its role in promoting an innovative and inclusive cooperative economy at the 14th Africa Ministerial Cooperative Conference (AMCCO) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The AMCCO is a premier platform convened after every three years by International Cooperative Alliance-Africa, in collaboration with African governments, to shape policy and strategic direction.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s position on Cooperatives, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa believes there is need to strengthen cross-border collaboration to accelerate cooperative innovation and digitisation.
“This year, AMCCO convenes as African states are grappling with the challenges of informalisation of economies, climate change, and ever-increasing trade barriers. There is for Governments to transform Policy Commitments into Action, Strengthen Enabling Environments, and Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Models to advance cooperative models that empower youth, women, and marginalised communities while supporting climate resilience and the green economy,” she said.
“AMCCO serve as a unique space where Ministers responsible for Cooperatives, senior government officials, cooperative leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders must come up with solutions to strengthen the Cooperative ecosystem in Africa.”
The conference is being attended by 26 African countries, with Ministers responsible for cooperatives raising several issues, including enhancing market access.
They are also looking at financing, with special focus on domestic, regional, and international markets as well as innovative financing mechanisms for cooperatives.
