13 Oct 2015

Delegates at the ongoing 11^th African Co-operative Ministerial Conference  are set to exchange notes on how to maximise benefits derived from cooperatives.  

Speaking during the opening of the conference which started in Gaborone yesterday (October 13), the Acting  President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Botswana had always recognised the role played by co-operatives as a model of business that could be used to empower communities and also reduce unemployment.

Mr Masisi said there were many co-operative societies registered in Botswana but not all were operating at full potential due to a variety of factors.

He  said in 2012, the Botswana co-operative transformation strategy was launched, with the objective to transform co-operative societies in the country into viable and sustainable business entities.  

He noted that in line with the country’s transformation strategy, the youth continued to form co-operatives to venture into new generation businesses such as ICT.

He also said the strategy resonated well with the recently announced economic stimulus programme, hence challenged co-operatives to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new programme. 

This year’s conference theme is: Contribution of Co-operatives to African Union Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want.

The conference has brought governments and the co-operative movement leaders together in a forum to take stock of achievements made based on resolutions of the 10^th Africa Co-operative Ministerial Conference  held in Kigali,  Rwanda, 2012. 

During the conference, the main theme is being analysed and discussions focus in major sub-themes such as a prosperous Africa,  based on inclusive growth and sustainable development through the co-operatives business model.

Other sub-themes include reviving Pan Africanism and the vision of African Renaissance through co-operative identity and fostering an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law through co-operative enterprises. 

The role of co-operatives in building a peaceful and secure Africa and matching co-operative values and principles with African cultural identity, heritage, values and ethics are also some of the topics. Topics also include accelerating Africa’s development by encouraging the participation of youth and women at all levels in co-operatives and contribution of co-operatives to a strong, united and influential Africa. Ends