Africa’s cooperative movement is set to take center stage on the global financial map as Kenya officially declared its bid to host the 2028 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) — a milestone that, if successful, would mark the first time in history the event is held on African soil.
The announcement was made by Hon. Patrick Kilemi (CBS, ADE), Principal Secretary in the State Department of Cooperatives, Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, during the 2025 SACCA Congress in Accra, Ghana. Backed by the National Government of Kenya and championed by the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), the bid represents a bold statement of Africa’s readiness to host the world’s leading cooperative financial institutions.
In his address, PS Kilemi affirmed the government’s full endorsement and unwavering support for the bid, describing it as “a defining moment for Africa to showcase the transformative power of cooperatives and credit unions on a global stage, under the leadership of ACCOSCA.”
A Defining Moment for Africa
Welcoming the announcement, ACCOSCA Executive Director George Ombado (AADE, I-CUDE) emphasized that hosting the WCUC in Africa would be more than symbolic — it would be a celebration of the continent’s resilience, innovation, and social impact through the cooperative model.
“This bid is not just about bringing the world to Africa,”
Ombado said.
“It’s about giving Africa the opportunity to tell its own story — one of transformation, inclusion, and shared prosperity through the cooperative movement.”
Momentum for the Cooperative Movement
Kenya’s bid comes at a time of renewed vigor for the African cooperative sector, with significant strides in governance, digitization, and financial inclusion reshaping the continent’s economic landscape. Under ACCOSCA’s leadership, Africa has made notable progress in strengthening the visibility and voice of credit unions globally, cementing its reputation as a dynamic and fast-growing cooperative frontier.
A Strategic Opportunity for Africa
The 2028 WCUC bid is being viewed as a strategic opportunity to position Africa as the next frontier for credit union growth, highlighting advancements in digital transformation, sustainable finance, and member-driven socio-economic empowerment.
If successful, Kenya’s hosting of the conference would not only elevate the continent’s global profile but also reinforce the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving inclusive economic growth — resonating with the vision of both ACCOSCA and the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).
As Ombado summed it up:
“This is Africa’s time — to lead, to inspire, and to shape the future of the global cooperative movement.”