Thank you for joining us in Accra, Ghana, for the 25th SACCA Congress—Africa’s premier cooperative event.
Under the Theme:
Stronger Together: SACCOs Driving Global Progress in the International Year of Cooperatives 2025
We celebrated the International Year of Cooperatives, spotlighting SACCOs as engines of sustainable development. From 12–17 October, leaders, innovators, and changemakers across the continent and beyond united to tackle challenges, share solutions, and shape the future of financial inclusion.
2025 SACCA Congress Presentations
PRE-WORKSHOPS
- Credit Unions as Catalysts: Empowering Communities through Cooperative Finance (Issues on Strategies for enhanced Member Engagement and participation in SACCOs) – Max Villaronga (CUDE), Francis Waliwa (AADE, I-CUDE)
- Guest 1. Charity Abraham (ADE) University of Cape Coast Co-operative Credit Union (Ghana), Topic: Community Engagement Driving Membership Growth.
- Diverse and Inclusive Governance: The Backbone of Resilient, Future Ready Cooperatives. – Baboucarr Jeng (ADE, I-CUDE), Gabriele Freifrau v. dem Bussche.
- From Strategy to Impact: Balancing Profitability with Social Responsibility and People. – Simon Tanui (AADE, DEEU), Judith Ashleynne Mubiru (ADE).
- Unlocking Financial Insights: Reporting Essentials that Drive Decisions. Fumbani Nyangulu (AADE, I-CUDE), Dr. Johnson Wotu (ADE, I-CUDE).
- Growth Strategy Using Big Data: Kenneth Odhiambo (AADE, CUDE), Kennedy Yeboah (ADE, I-CUDE).
- Mastering Change Management: Turning Transitions into Sustainability. Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor.
THEMATIC BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Community Partnership and Turning Members to Advocates – Max Villaronga (CUDE) President & CEO, Raiz Credit Union (USA)
- Embracing Digital Transformation: Leveraging Technology for Member Acquisition & Retention. – Dr. Hassan Gamaliel (AADE, CUDE) CEO, Stima DT SACCO (Kenya)
- Collaboration in Action: Unlocking the Power of Purpose Driven Partnerships. – Gabriele Freifrau v. dem Bussche – Consultant, DGRV
(Germany)
- Mainstreaming Gender for Inclusive Economic Growth: Practical Strategies for Credit Unions – Esther Mintah – Country Program Officer, CDF Canada (Ghana).
- Communication Strategies for Emerging Credit Unions – Shelton R Roulhac, Thompson Roulhac Consulting – (USA)
- Promoting Member Resilience Through Innovative Insurance Services – Michael Mugo,
Principal Officer, CIC Microinsurance, CIC Insurance (Kenya)
- Leadership – Personal Development as a Leader – Shelton R Roulhac, Thompson Roulhac Consulting – (USA).
- Driving Global Progress Through Intelligent Systems: Smart SACCOs, Leveraging Debt Management Solutions and AI to Drive Member-Centric Growth – Wambui Mbesa,
CEO, Relational FS East Africa (Kenya)
- Strengthening Risk Mitigation Mechanisms: Response to Disruptions – Benson Kilonzi ADE, DEEU (Kenya).
- Strategies to Strengthen Compliance Mechanisms for Small Credit Unions – Lynda Kananza, Chief Examiner, Financial Sector Regulation, Reserve Bank of Malawi (Malawi).
- Ethical Leadership as a Key Driver to Compliance and Sector Reforms – Dr. Benson Ndiege (ADE), CEO, Tanzania Co-operative Development Commission (Tanzania)
- Navigating Economic Challenges: How Credit Unions Can Collaborate for Resilience – Kwang-Yung Jung,
Regional Coordinator, DSIK Western Africa (Germany)
- Micro-Lending for Impact: Partnering with Malawi SACCOs to Advance Financial Inclusion in Rural Communities – Ralph Tseka, Director of Strategy & Risk Management, Reserve Bank (Malawi)
- Maximizing Member Engagement: Strategies for Retention and Growth –Zerihun Sheleme, CEO Awach SACCO (Ethiopia).
- Building Wealth Together: The Intersection of Taxation, Credit Unions and Community Empowerment – Jeanette Makgolo (ADE, DEEU), Chairperson, ACCOSCA, Commissioner General- Botswana Unified Revenue Service (Botswana)
Planery Sessions
- Ethics in Governance: Upholding Values in Credit Union Leadership – Dr. (h.c.) Nelson C. Kuria, MBS, OGW, F.IOD(K) Group Chairperson, CIC Insurance Group (Kenya).
- Promoting Collaboration for Sustainability and Global Impact JimMorrell (ADE, I-CUDE) – President and CEO, Peninsula Credit Union; Board Director, WOCCU and Americas Credit Union (USA)
- The Power and Impact of Collaboration in Addressing Systemic Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: AACUC & ACCOSCA Partnership – Renée Sattiewhite (CUDE) President & CEO, African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) (USA)
- Power of Collaboration: Working within the Cooperative Structure – Amb. Emmanuel O. Darko, Goodwill Ambassador, ACCOSCA (Ghana).