Rwanda’s trade and industry minister Soraya Hakuziyaremye has paid visits to three co-operatives in Kigali, praising their transparent management and sustainable growth.
The minister, on a tour to learn what co-ops are doing and how the government can support them, said they showed that people could achieve more by working together.
Her tour included Icyerekezo-Gatsata, a co-op of car service workers which formed in 2008 so it could acquire modern commercial buildings to replace the team’s old base in a wetlands area, where they had been at risk of flooding.
The enterprise currently includes 99 members who operate a four-storey building with 88 rooms, and a three-storey building with 132 rooms.
The minister also visited wood and handcraft co-op Adarwa and a transport co-op Coctramvk.
“Co-operatives contribute greatly in economic empowerment of the country,” said Ms Hakuziyaremye. “They help create jobs for the people.
“Their contribution toward achieving the development goals, such as poverty reduction, is paramount. You cannot fight poverty without saving. Through co-operatives, people are encouraged to embrace the savings culture.”
She added: “Our purpose is to have all people join co-operatives to share experiences and benefits, among others.”
The minister said the co-ops on her itinerary had transparent and accountable management, could grow in a sustainable manner, and set a good example for non-performing co-ops.
On 14-17 October, Rwanda hosts the International Co-operative Alliance’s annual conference and general assembly, which will focus on the role of co-ops in driving sustainable development.
