OVERVIEW
The Africa Social and Solidarity Economy Wellbeing Convention (ASEWC / ASEW Convention / The Convention)
is a platform that brings together diverse actors in socio-economic development to engage in critical
dialogue on the role of cooperatives and sister Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organisations in
socio-economic development.
It provides an opportunity to generate actionable resolutions on how these institutions can contribute
more effectively to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while strengthening
their resilience to both short-term disruptions and long-term systemic shocks. Participants collectively
explore practical pathways for cooperatives and sister SSE organizations to deepen their contribution to
socio-economic development through the effective implementation and scaling of SSE principles and models.
The 1st ASEWC was held in October 2021 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, under the theme
“Role of Co-operatives in Crisis Periods and Post-Crisis Recovery.” The convention
attracted numerous scholars, practitioners, and participants and underscored the growing recognition
of cooperatives as critical actors in navigating socio-economic shocks and recovery pathways.
During this convention, Kigali was selected as the designated ASEW venue.
The 2nd ASEWC was held in November 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme
“Reinventing the African Social and Economic Wellbeing in the Post-COVID-19 Era.”
It attracted over 150 participants and further strengthened the continental relevance of SSE discourse
in advancing inclusive and resilient development pathways.
The 3rd ASEW Convention was held alongside the International Conference on Business Management and
Innovation (ICBMI 2024) from 26–27 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme
“Making Successful Co-operative Societies and Innovative Entrepreneurs: Challenges,
Opportunities and New Trends.” The event brought together experts, researchers,
policymakers, and practitioners to exchange interdisciplinary insights, share best practices,
and advance policy and innovation agendas for cooperative and entrepreneurial development.
It was agreed during this conference that ASEW would thereafter be held every two years.
ABOUT THE 4TH CONVENTION
The 4th ASEW Convention 2026 comes at a pivotal moment in Africa’s socio-economic transformation journey.
With the continent’s population projected to surpass 2 billion by 2050, including over 400 million
young people aged 15–35, Africa possesses immense human capital and untapped economic potential.
However, this promise is juxtaposed with persistent structural challenges, including inequality,
unemployment, food insecurity, fragile health systems, and the escalating impacts of climate change.
Within this context, cooperatives and Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) enterprises have consistently
demonstrated their capacity as resilient, community-driven institutions that advance financial inclusion,
empower marginalized groups—particularly women and youth—and foster sustainable livelihoods.
Despite their achievements, the transformative potential of cooperatives and SSE enterprises in Africa
remains constrained by fragmented policy frameworks, limited investment, low visibility, and weak
integration into national development agendas.
Hosted under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Rwanda, the ASEW
Convention 2026 will convene policymakers, cooperative leaders, researchers, development partners,
private sector actors, and youth champions under the theme:
“Cooperatives and SSE in Inclusive Growth, Climate Resilience, and Social Justice.”
The convention is designed as a continental platform for dialogue, co-creation, and collective action,
positioning cooperatives and sister SSE enterprises at the center of Africa’s development agenda.
It is expected to catalyze high-level commitments to elevate the identity and visibility of cooperatives
and SSE, promote inclusive policy dialogue, showcase innovative practices, strengthen institutional and
governmental support, and empower youth and women as key drivers of cooperative-led transformation.
ORGANISERS OF THE 4TH CONVENTION
The convention is jointly organised by AFRICOOP Consortium, RICEM, and ICA Africa, all of which play
complementary roles in advancing cooperative development, capacity building, and policy engagement
across the continent.
AFRICOOP Consortium, based in Kenya and represented in more than 17 African countries,
provides continental leadership in cooperative research, policy dialogue, advocacy, and capacity
development aimed at promoting inclusive economies and shared prosperity in alignment with Africa’s
development agenda.
RICEM, situated in Kigali, Rwanda, focuses on the professionalization of actors within
cooperatives, SMEs, and microfinance institutions through vocational training and skills development
programmes that strengthen institutional and technical competencies.
ICA Africa joins this year as a core organiser, reinforcing its role as a regional
cooperative hub and expanding its convening function in promoting cooperative values, policy coherence,
and inclusive participation across the African cooperative movement.
