Rwanda celebrates the 101st International Day of Cooperatives

15-11-2024

From October 10th to 11th, 2024, Rwanda marked a milestone in its cooperative movement by celebrating the 101st International Day of Cooperatives at the Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze District. 

This global celebration, organised annually under the initiative of the United Nations and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), aimed to raise awareness of the vital role cooperatives play in building sustainable communities and promoting socio-economic development. This year’s theme, "Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All," was fitting for Rwanda, where cooperatives have been at the heart of community empowerment, job creation, and food security.

The Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) and the National Cooperatives Confederation of Rwanda (NCCR) organised this national event, which gathered cooperatives from across the country. Agriterra, a key player in Rwanda’s cooperative landscape, not only attended but also financially contributed to the organisation of the event. Agriterra showcased 2 significant projects: Farmers Focused Transformation (FFT) and Acting Now which support local cooperatives in various sectors such as agriculture, financial inclusion, and sustainability.

The event kicked off with an exhibition on October 10th, where Agriterra, alongside its client cooperatives, displayed a wide range of products. IAKIB, one of Agriterra’s clients, presented milk and milk products under the FFT project. The Imbaraga-affiliated cooperative, Abadatezuka ku Kirayi, showcased its impressive production of seed and ware potatoes, compost, liquid fertilizer, and ash solutions, highlighting their contribution to Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Cooperatives showcasing their wide range of products and services that highlight contribution to Rwanda’s agricultural sector

On October 11th, the celebration brought together cooperatives, development partners, and government representatives to not only showcase achievements but also foster discussions around strengthening the cooperative movement in Rwanda. 

The event included testimonials from cooperatives, exhibitions of their products, and award ceremonies. Among the honoured cooperatives was Abakundakawa, a coffee cooperative supported by Agriterra, which was recognised for its exemplary performance and contribution to local economic development.

Agriterra representatives highlighted the positive impact of their projects on Rwandan cooperatives. The FFT project, for example, has transformed the dairy industry by improving milk production and processing standards, while the Acting Now project has empowered maize and vegetable cooperatives to enhance their value chains. Abadatezuka ku Kirayi, under the Acting Now through Imbaraga project, demonstrated how local cooperatives are integrating environmentally sustainable practices into their production processes, which have led to improved yields and market access.

Positive Results and Recognition

The celebration yielded notable successes. Public awareness about the role of cooperatives in promoting socio-economic growth and sustainability was significantly increased. Media coverage of the event through local radio, television, and print media reached a wide audience across Rwanda, further highlighting the contributions of cooperatives to national development. 

Abakundakawa Coffee Cooperative, supported by Agriterra, is honored for exemplary performance and boosting local development

The event also served as a platform for recognising high-performing cooperatives. Several cooperatives were awarded for their outstanding contributions to local development, with Agriterra-supported cooperatives among the top performers. This recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also motivates other cooperatives to adopt best practices and strive for excellence.

In addition to awards, the event facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Agriterra’s exhibition booth attracted interest from cooperatives seeking to join its programs and benefit from the technical and financial support offered. The exhibition provided a space for cooperatives to share experiences, learn from each other, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The presence of development partners and private sector actors also opened doors for future partnerships that will further strengthen the cooperative movement in Rwanda.

Looking Ahead

The International Day of Cooperatives 2024 successfully celebrated the achievements of cooperatives and highlighted their role in building a better future for all Rwandans. As Agriterra continues to work closely with cooperatives across the country, it remains committed to supporting sustainable development, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between cooperatives, government agencies, and development organisations in driving Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. 


Abadatezuka ku Kirayi, under the Acting Now through Imbaraga project, demonstrated how local cooperatives are integrating environmentally sustainable practices into their production processes

With continued support from partners like Agriterra, Rwanda’s cooperative movement is poised to grow even stronger, creating more opportunities for local communities and contributing to the nation's overall development.

The celebration may have ended, but the impact of cooperatives in Rwanda will continue to resonate for years to come. The partnerships formed, the lessons learned, and the achievements recognised during the event are a testament to the pivotal role cooperatives play in building resilient and prosperous communities across the country.