Cooperatives should not have to build their entire economic infrastructure alone
Cooperatives are among Africa's most powerful vehicles for collective enterprise. They bring together farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and communities to pool resources, create livelihoods and build shared economic value.
Yet productive cooperatives often face interconnected barriers: limited access to growth capital, fragmented supply chains, restricted market access and inadequate financial infrastructure.
Co-ops Africa exists to help bridge these gaps.
Through CDEx, Co-op Store and Co-op Pay, we are building an integrated cooperative ecosystem designed to connect finance with production, production with markets, and economic participation with collective prosperity.
Our ambition is to help cooperatives move beyond isolated economic activity towards connected, productive and resilient enterprises.
The three pillars
Three complementary platforms, brought together as one connected economic model.
01 / CAPITAL
CDEx — Co-op Debenture Exchange
Unlocking capital for collective enterprise.
We support eligible new and established cooperatives in structuring financing opportunities through cooperative debentures. The objective is to connect productive cooperative activity with suitable sources of investment capital while respecting cooperative governance and applicable legal requirements.
02 / COMMERCE
Co-op Store
Connecting cooperative production to markets.
We facilitate a connected trading environment where cooperatives can source raw materials, engage suppliers, purchase productive inputs, settle approved trade obligations and bring their products and services to market.
03 / FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION
Co-op Pay
Putting cooperators at the centre of finance.
Through a cooperative financial services model, Co-op Pay aims to support member participation, access to eligible savings and credit services, payments and responsible financing for purchases within the cooperative economy.
ONE CONNECTED ECONOMY
From capital to commerce — and back to community value
The cooperative economy becomes stronger when its participants are connected.
A cooperative can use an appropriate financing structure to acquire equipment, purchase inputs or expand production. Co-op Store can connect it to suppliers and potential buyers. Co-op Pay can facilitate eligible financial transactions and financing for participating members and customers.
As production expands, new opportunities emerge for employment, income generation, market access and reinvestment within the cooperative network.
- CDEx — structured cooperative capital
- Productive cooperatives — production, equipment, jobs and enterprise growth
- Co-op Store — inputs, supplier relationships and market access
- Co-op Pay — eligible member finance and payment services
Conceptual operating model. Actual transactions depend on product availability, approvals, contractual arrangements and applicable regulation.
Who we serve
Co-ops Africa is designed for participants across the cooperative value chain.
Cooperative societies and SACCOs
Access support to structure growth opportunities, strengthen enterprise operations, connect with suppliers and expand economic participation.
Cooperative entrepreneurs and producers
Connect productive activities to procurement channels, potential buyers and appropriate financial services.
Investors and capital providers
Explore structured opportunities to support eligible cooperative enterprises, subject to due diligence, risk assessment and relevant legal requirements.
Suppliers, buyers and commercial partners
Develop trading relationships with cooperative enterprises and explore opportunities to participate in connected supply chains.
Development institutions and public-sector partners
Explore programmes that strengthen cooperative enterprise, local production, inclusive finance and community economic development.
OUR PROMISE
We believe cooperation should create economic opportunity, not merely collective membership
Our role is to help build the infrastructure through which cooperatives can organise their productive capacity, access appropriate capital, trade more effectively and create sustainable value for their members and communities.
GET STARTED
Let's Build Africa's Cooperative Economy Together
Whether you represent a cooperative seeking growth opportunities, a supplier looking to expand your market, an investor exploring cooperative enterprise or an institution interested in collaboration, Co-ops Africa invites you to start the conversation.
- Register or enquire about your cooperative.
- Apply to participate as a supplier or commercial partner.
- Contact us to discuss investment, financing or institutional collaboration.