Botswana: The Ministry of Entrepreneurship has signed into effect a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the International Cooperative Alliance Africa (ICA-A) that will see the establishment of the ICA-A Sub Regional Office in Botswana. This agreement is a follow-up to Botswana Cabinet’s approval for the country to host the Office.
Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Gabo, cited that the Government of Botswana views Cooperatives as catalysts to achieving economic growth, diversification and development.
He added that this was shown by Government’s Reset Agenda, where the Cooperatives are prioritised as bedrock and engines to accelerate the country’s economic growth.
The Government of Botswana, through Cabinet, has approved the establishment and hosting of the ICAA Sub Region Office and has committed to supporting the Office with office accommodation and secondment of office bearers for a period of 3 years. The Ministry has also committed to helping identify suitable land, which the ICAA will be obliged to buy and construct its offices.
The International Cooperatives Alliance is a non-governmental organisation established to unite, represent and serve Cooperatives in the world. It also provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and coordinated actions for Cooperatives globally.
The establishment of the Sub Regional Office in Botswana is envisioned to ensure that the Cooperative Movement in Southern Africa will enjoy close access to the ICAA support on issues of capacity building, research and development, as well as data accessibility for the Region.
In giving a vote of appreciation, the ICA Africa President High Chief, Alhadji Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola, commended the Government of Botswana for its decision to embrace Cooperatives noting that cooperatives must be viewed as businesses and avenues to better the lives of the people.
He noted that Botswana’s decision to host the Sub Region office was a welcomed development towards increasing awareness of Cooperatives and igniting their contribution to socioeconomic development with emphasis on poverty reduction and employment creation.
The MOA signing agreement came against the backdrop of Botswana hosting the 44th ICA-Africa Executive Board Meeting, to which Botswana is represented on the Board. Minister Gare announced that Botswana will also be hosting the African Confederation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Association’s (ACOSCCA) 23rd Southern Africa Savings and Credit Cooperative Associations (SACCA) Congress from 8th to 14th October 2023. This aligns well with the President Masisi’s vision to establish Botswana as a global hosting destination of choice.
