Kenya has solidified its position in Africa’s cooperative movement after Macloud Malonza was elected Chairperson of the International Co-operative Alliance – Africa (ICA-Africa) in a decisive victory.
ICA-Africa is a regional arm of the International Cooperative Alliance, founded in 1968, bringing together more than 50 cooperative organizations across 21 African countries.
Unanimous Election Reflects Strong Confidence
Malonza secured all 65 votes cast, defeating two contenders from Nigeria, Lawrence Bale and Ojo Oladayo Aindehinde, both representing the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria.
The unanimous outcome reflected strong confidence from delegates in his leadership and vision for the continent’s cooperative sector.
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He takes office at a time when cooperatives are increasingly being recognized as key drivers of economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and social transformation across Africa.
Cooperative enterprises continue to play a major role in providing financial services, supporting farmers, creating employment, and expanding market access, particularly in underserved communities.
Malonza Outlines Vision for Africa’s Cooperatives
In his acceptance speech in Maputo, Mozambique, Malonza pledged to champion unity, inclusive leadership, and transformation of the cooperative movement across Africa, noting that his mandate reflected the confidence of member organizations.
“Cooperatives remain central to addressing pressing challenges, including youth unemployment, food insecurity, climate change, financial exclusion, and inequality. Today is not about one individual, one country, or one region. It is about the future of cooperatives in Africa,” he said.
He outlined priorities, including strengthening cooperative governance, enhancing member engagement, promoting youth and women’s leadership, supporting cooperative entrepreneurship, expanding regional trade, and positioning cooperatives as drivers of Africa’s economic transformation.
Focus on Regional Integration and AfCFTA Opportunities
Malonza also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the African Union, regional economic communities, and global partners, noting that unity would be key in leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Together we can create a stronger cooperative voice in global policy discussions and ensure that cooperatives become key drivers of inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development across Africa,” he added.
He paid tribute to outgoing ICA-Africa leadership, crediting them with laying a strong foundation for the growth of the cooperative movement on the continent.
Kenya’s Cooperative Model Gains Continental Recognition
With decades of experience in the sector, Malonza also chairs Co-operative Bank Holdings and has previously held leadership roles in major Kenyan cooperative institutions, including Harambee Sacco and Co-op Holdings Cooperative Society.
His election is being viewed as a strong endorsement of Kenya’s cooperative model, with more than 15 million Kenyans linked to cooperatives and Saccos mobilizing billions in savings and investments.
The appointment is expected to strengthen Kenya’s influence in shaping policies on financial inclusion, agricultural transformation, trade, and sustainable development across Africa.
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About McLoud Malonza, MBS, HSC
Joined the Board of Directors in 2005 and became the Bank Vice Chairman on 1 October 2017. He is notably the Chairman of Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Ltd, the 65% strategic investor in the Bank.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master’s in Organizational Change and Development, a Master of Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Information Systems, a Certificate in Strategic Planning and Management, and a CPS I qualification. He has also attended Senior Management and Strategic Leadership Development courses.
Extensive Leadership Experience in the Cooperative Sector
He has served in various positions in the Civil Service and is the Chairman of Harambee Co-operative Society Limited, which serves employees of various Government departments under the Office of the President.
He is the Chairman of Co-optrust Investment Services Ltd, Chairman of Co-op Bancassurance Intermediary Limited, and Vice Chair of Co-op Foundation Trustees.
