The Alliance Africa Information

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Founded in 1895, it is one of the oldest non-governmental organizations and one of the largest ones measured by the number of people represented: 1,2 billion cooperative members on the planet. It is the apex body representing cooperatives, which are estimated to be around 3 million worldwide, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and co-ordinated action for and about cooperatives. The International Cooperative Alliance works with global and regional governments and organisations to create the legislative environments that allow cooperatives to form and grow. The International Cooperative Alliance - Africa (ICA Africa) is one of the four regional offices of ICA and has in operation since 1968 that serves, unites and represents ICA member organizations in Africa by promoting and strengthening autonomous and viable cooperatives through capacity building and policy advocacy for the socioeconomic benefit of its members. With a total member organizations across Africa countries, the ICA Africa addresses human development needs of existing and potential cooperatives in Africa with special focus on participation (women and youth), sustainability, identity, legal framework and cooperative capital. Objectives Promoting development of co-operative movement in Africa; Promoting and protecting co-operative values and principles; Facilitating development of economic and other mutually beneficial relations between member organizations; Promoting sustainable human development and furthering the economic and social progress of people, thereby contributing to peace and security in Africa; Promoting equality between men and women in all decision making and activities within the co-operative movement; Lobbying for an enabling environment for co-operative development in Africa.