A number of side events around International Co-operative Alliance's Global Conference will focus on the support and growth of co-operatives in Africa.
As part of an extended session on how to grow co-operatives globally, Cooperatives Europe will host a high-level conference focused on co-operative development in Africa. The event, taking place on 31 October, will try to emphasise what the movement can learn from Africa.
On 1 November delegates from Africa will meet to discuss how to maximise the opportunity to host the General Assembly on the continent. Members from African co-operatives and organisations will also get the chance to share ideas and experiences. Rafi Godman from Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development in Israel will deliver a presentation on co-operative development, while Dr. Chiyoge Sifa, Regional Director of ICA Africa, will brief the delegates on the new African Co-operative Development Strategy. Later in the afternoon ICA Africa will host its Regional Board meeting.
On 6 November ministers from across various African governments will take part in a meeting focused on the African Co-operative Development Strategy. The event by invitation only, aims to secure ministers’ approval and support for the newly adopted strategy. The document will be officially launched at a session featuring Hon Francois Kanimba, Minister for Trade and Industry, Stanley Muchiri, ICA Africa president and Chiyoge Sifa, Director of ICA Africa.
The official launch of the strategy will be followed by a closing ceremony including a speech from Rob Haydn Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Africa.
• The full programme of events of interest to co-operators in Africa is available at http://www.capetown2013.coop/related-events/ica-africa-region.html
