ICA-Africa Regional Board Meeting

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – March 25, 2024

The International Cooperative Alliance-Africa held its 47th Regional Board Meeting on March 25, 2024 in Ethiopia, hosted by Awach SACCOs, representing Ethiopian Savings and Credit Cooperative societies. This was the first time the meeting was held in Ethiopia, following previous gatherings in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Botswana.

The board members had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Awach SACCOS and engage in productive discussions with the organization's leaders. Mr. Zerihun Sheleme, the founder and CEO of Awach SACCOS, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the establishment and remarkable growth of Awach SACCOS.  Awach SACCOS, a key player in Ethiopia's savings and credit cooperative societies, has been actively participating in various ICA-Africa meetings and is rapidly expanding to achieve its 2030 vision of becoming a world-class cooperative. 

On the second day, the ICA-Africa board members visited the facilities of the Oromia Coffee Farmers' Cooperative Union (OCFCU) in Sheger City, Gelan. The visit included a tour of the Green coffee processing facility, where they witnessed the meticulous process of transforming raw coffee beans into high-quality products. Additionally, they visited One Koo Coffee, renowned for its roasted and ground coffee for both local and international markets. 

During the visit, the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union presented an overview of its activities, emphasizing the economic benefits for farmers and sustainable economic growth. The board members engaged in discussions on the promotion of intra-African trade and the need to foster enhanced collaboration among African nations for mutual economic growth.