Over 200 cooperative representatives are convening in Kigali for the second International Conference on Business Management and Innovation (ICBMI 2025), which aims to enhance capacity-building for cooperatives. The conference advocates for cooperatives to have stronger business models, innovation, and inclusiveness to ensure sustainability. It was organised by the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and its partners under the theme “Building Co-operatives’ Resilience: Strengthening Capacity Building, Innovation, Inclusiveness, and Sustainability.” The two-day intercontinental meeting that kicked off on Wednesday, October 1, brought together cooperative leaders, regulators, researchers, and industry policymakers to reflect on how cooperatives can foster empowerment, equity, and sustainable development. ALSO READ: UNILAK students win agribusiness pitch competition The conference explores themes including financial resilience, technology adoption, literacy, and the multi-sector contribution of cooperatives to national economies and market competitiveness. It also aims to advance not only academic and professional conversations but also to inspire transformative initiatives capable of shaping an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for Rwanda and the wider global community. Speaking at the event, Prof. Jean Ngamije, UNILAK Vice Chancellor, emphasised the timeliness of the conference in helping cooperatives to adapt to current world economic shifts and climate change, among others. “In Rwanda and beyond, cooperatives continue to transform lives, particularly for women and youth, by encouraging resource sharing, reducing deep risks, and enhancing local economies,” he said. He underscored the importance of continuous education, mentorship, and research to build resilient cooperatives. He urged leaders to adopt innovative tools and business models that guarantee sustainability, while promoting inclusivity, particularly through engaging youth entrepreneurs and women with disabilities. Ngamije noted that one of the key outcomes from the first ICBMI2024 was the creation of a Cooperative Development Hub, which has already started capacity-building activities for more than 60 cooperatives in Rwamagana. ALSO READ: FEATURED: UNILAK to establish cooperative hub to address management skills gap “As we engage in dialogue in these two days, let us co-create practical solutions that empower cooperatives to build a better and more inclusive future,” Ngamije said. UNILAK is the only university in Rwanda offering a degree major in cooperative management. “For us, as a higher learning institution that is offering cooperative management in our academic programmes, we make sure that cooperatives are coordinated and easily activated,” Ngamije said. Dr Olivier Mukulira, Managing Director of Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), underscored the conference’s contribution in advancing business knowledge and fostering innovation across sectors. “On the cooperative advantage, cooperatives contribute not only to economic growth but also to social cohesion,” he said. Challenges facing cooperatives Mary Mbugua, Coordinator of Financial Inclusion at the Africa Co-operative Consortium (AFRICOOP), pointed out that while there is progress in the management of cooperatives, agriculture-based cooperatives continue to struggle with climate change, while others are hindered by limited access to credit, and restricted market opportunities beyond Africa. “Through coming together, cooperatives can build stronger networks. With collective bargaining power, they can influence prices and ensure farmers, the majority of members, become the primary beneficiaries of these enterprises,” she explained. Mbugua commended Rwanda’s efforts in enabling cooperatives to access cheaper credit compared to peers in the region, and emphasised the importance of research in shaping policies that can uplift the sector. Participants' views For many cooperative members and students, the conference is not only an academic exchange but also a practical learning opportunity. Donatha Nyirakizimana, a member of SACCO Gitesi, said the sessions offered valuable lessons on financial literacy and the use of technology to improve cooperative services. “This allows cooperative leaders to connect with others from across the continent and learn best practices for addressing common challenges,” she said, noting that financial stability remains a major hurdle. Jean De La Paix Shimwa Rugira, a first-year student in Economic Science and Management at UNILAK, described the event as an eye-opener. “This is an opportunity to learn how to innovate and strengthen both personal and cooperative financial sustainability, while improving professionalism,” he said.
