African Cooperative Development Foundation
Collaborating to improve lives and livelihoods in Africa
The African Cooperative Development Foundation (ACDF), founded in 2018, is the philanthropic arm of ACCOSCA. Though the ACDF is autonomous, the aim is to support the work of ACCOSCA through cooperation and collaboration with mutually beneficial outcomes in mind. Our aim is to respond to development issues and disasters with international support and funding.
ACDF Pillars
The ACDF Pillars are uniquely chosen to mitigate the emerging issues disrupting societies and communities.
Health
Encouraging preventative health practices and access to quality medical care for all those who need it.
Inclusion
Ensure no one is left behind and those excluded, for whatever reason, become included in society as the norm.
Education
Improving lives and futures for people across Africa though quality educational programs.
Climate
Making changes that support our planet, our communities, and the livelihoods of people across Africa.
ACDF Board of Directors
What we do
Project Catalyst
The ACDF was founded to support the work of African Development Educators (ADEs) across the continent, along with national associations and ACCOSCA. Our desire to support the development of life-changing projects in the areas of education, health, climate, and inclusion through African SACCOS is becoming a reality. To advance our work, ACDF is in the process of building out a strategy to fund greater project work in more countries through both ADEs and national associations.
Project Blossom
According to UNICEF, one in ten schoolgirls in Africa miss classes or drop out completely due to their period and substitute pads or tampons for less safe and less absorbent materials such as rags, newspaper, or bark.
ACDF’s Project Blossom is raising funds to ensure that more girls in Africa have access to safe menstrual protection. Just $20 can give a girl a reusable sanitary pad kit and open doors to countless opportunities.
2024 UPDATE VIDEO (coming soon)
Project De4-Re4
Join us in planting trees in support of climate action. These aren't just trees; they create jobs and support local communities, improve climate change resilience & mitigation, and restore forest cover to improve food and water security. Together, we can keep trees in the ground and nurture a sustainable future for generations to come!
We've planted 44,600 trees to date with the work of African SACCOs and global partners. You can contribute by donating to plant a tree as part of One Tree Planted's reforestation efforts. ONE DOLLAR. ONE TREE.
Salima School for the Blind
Short description goes here.
Don Bosco Special School in Kenya
Short description goes here.
Initial donations for our education efforts will go to support Don Bosco Schools.
Programs
ACDF facilitates programs aligned to the ACDF pillars that build the skills and exposure for people across the continent.
Inclusive Citizens – Women of Influence
The Inclusive Citizens program empowers women leaders within the cooperative movement to drive transformative change. Through skill-building, strategy development, and a focus on governance, participants shatter stereotypes, break barriers, and foster inclusive growth. The program seeks to continue shaping the continent’s future by promoting gender equality to unlock Africa’s full potential and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Youth Network
Brief description here.
Financial Coaching
The Financial Coaching Certification Program is a 5-day immersive training guided by research, deeply rooted in global best practices, and supported by industry experts. The program provides trainees with the practical knowledge and experience to meet members’ individual needs by helping them build and maintain a strong financial foundation, realize their goals, and achieve lasting financial well-being.
Distinguished Service Awards
The awards honor those whose actions on behalf of Africa have brought about significant change to the continent – change that will impact our SACCOs and their members for many years to come. There is no set calendar or number of awards given each year, making this honor extremely significant.
How you can help
ACDF cannot do this in isolation. We are creating a strategic plan to build financial support from African SACCOs and the greater credit union system. There are opportunities to support in the form of endorsements, events such as the annual ACDF dinner, project work, and sponsorships. Financial support will enable ACDF to grow the work of SACCOs across the continent affecting hundreds if not thousands of SACCO members.
AWARENESS
Promoting awareness of the challenges faced by different communities can be a powerful tool to garner support and drive positive change.
ADVOCACY
Your voice amplifies our mission and together, we can drive the impact our communities deserve. Share our mission and initiatives with your network to spread the word about the causes we support.
ACTION
ACDF is actively seeking projects to support that align with one or more of our core pillars. If your initiative drives meaningful change and fits within our mission, we want to hear from you!
Reach out to Grace Watsiera, Executive Director to discuss how we can work together to make a difference.