ICA-Africa President’s Solidarity Message on COVID-19

Dear Cooperative movement in the Africa Region!

Following the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide, we would like to remind the cooperative movement in Africa of our cooperative values and principles and more so calling out for solidarity during this difficult moments.

As at 3rd April, Africa had registered 4870 confirmed cases in 43 countries as report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The pandemic has already affected our way of life and work as the cooperative movement in Africa and globally as stated in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) President’s message. Economically, the COVID-19 has already created an economic and labour crisis from quantity of jobs, quality of work to effects on specific groups who are vulnerable to adverse labour market outcomes. The recent, assessment by the International Labour Organization on the impact of COVID-19 on the global world of work, states that the economic effects caused calls for an immediate and urgent measures for a decisive, coordinated and immediate response.

As we continue monitoring and following the updates, recommendations and guidelines on essential preparatory and prevention measures in response to the pandemic; let us all continue to follow and observe the latest advice, protection tips and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), our governments and local authorities in the countries that we operate in.

Your safety, as well as the safety of our cooperative members, are our highest priority. Let our actions demonstrate a firm commitment and bring us more closely in a united way in deploying appropriate resources to help maintain a healthy environment.

Together we can overcome the pandemic!!

ICA-Africa President,

Mr. Japheth Magomere