Cooperatives in Emerging Economies

About one billion people are involved in co-operatives either as members, customers or employees. Co-operatives employ about 100 million people worldwide and are a source of livelihoods for about half of the world’s population. In Africa particularly, more than 40% of households are members of a co-operative society. Thus, cooperatives provide an important channel for economic and sustainable development of the African population, especially rural households.

Co-operatives are unique models as they are guided by the principles of voluntary and open membership, economic cooperation and democratic control. This means that any individual regardless of wealth and gender can participate in a co-operative. It is these principles that raise questions on the sustainability of the co-operative business model in the modern world. In Africa, major transformation in the economy including globalization and increasing competitiveness present opportunities and constraints for the co-operative business model.

Dr. Richard I Msuya will give a key note opening address that will see general discussion points on inclusion, climate change, special purpose cooperatives, and the enabling factors. Issues of sustainable competition, cooperation and collaboration will be discussed with a specific focus on how cooperatives co-evolve, and jointly adapt to external disruptions. This opening session will anchor the 2nd Africa Young Scholars Workshop on Cooperatives themed “Cooperatives in Emerging Economies” and will discuss four topics, namely, (1) (Re)membering; (2) Climate Change & Cooperatives; (3) Special Purpose Cooperatives, (4) enablers of cooperatives for sustainable development.