Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
ZIMBABWE is moving to professionalise its cooperative sector through the establishment of a dedicated institute aimed at strengthening leadership, improving governance and enhancing the financial sustainability of cooperatives and microfinance institutions.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Co-operatives and Micro-Finance Professionals (ZICMFP) will be officially launched in Harare on December 3, with International Co-operative Alliance-Africa (ICA-Africa) regional director Dr Rose Karimi expected to headline the event.
The establishment of the institute comes as Government intensifies efforts to develop cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth, employment creation and financial inclusion.
The launch is expected to bring together Government officials, cooperative leaders, academics, financial institutions and development partners, underscoring the importance of building professionally managed and competitive cooperative enterprises.
Dr Karimi will represent ICA-Africa president Mr Macloud Malonza, bringing a continental perspective to Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative movement.
In July, President Mnangagwa officially opened the inaugural Cooperatives and MSMEs Indaba, where the National Cooperative Societies Development Policy 2025–2030 was launched.
The policy seeks to strengthen governance, financial management, institutional capacity, digitalisation and market access within the cooperative sector.
ZICMFP is expected to complement these efforts by equipping cooperative leaders, managers and practitioners with the professional skills and technical expertise needed to translate policy objectives into tangible economic results.
The institute’s executive director, Mr Nyasha Gonese, described the forthcoming launch as a defining milestone in building a stronger professional ecosystem for cooperatives, MSMEs and microfinance institutions.
He said the institute was established in response to the growing need for specialised professional development and institutional support in the cooperative sector.
“The institute seeks to strengthen the professional capabilities of cooperative leaders, managers and practitioners while promoting standards that enhance accountability, operational efficiency and economic sustainability,” said Mr Gonese.
He said ZICMFP would focus on professional training, research, technical advisory services and capacity development.
“Our focus is not to create another representative body but to build professional capacity within the cooperative ecosystem. We want to support institutions with the skills, knowledge and expertise required to operate effectively and sustainably,” he said.
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) will participate as a Gold Partner, bringing the insurance industry into efforts to improve the resilience of cooperative enterprises and small businesses.
Mr Gonese said the partnership was expected to create opportunities for developing accessible and affordable insurance products tailored to the needs of cooperatives and MSMEs.
Many small enterprises face risks such as fire, theft, accidents and business interruptions, which can wipe out years of investment. Appropriate insurance cover can help protect productive assets, safeguard livelihoods and ensure business continuity, he said.
He said engagement between the insurance industry and cooperatives could also create opportunities for group-based insurance arrangements and innovative distribution channels that extend financial protection to underserved communities.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, is expected to attend the launch as Guest of Honour.
Invitations have also been extended to the ambassadors of Malaysia and Kenya, as well as the Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
The academic sector is expected to be represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya, while chief executives and senior representatives from Zimbabwe’s banking and insurance industries, development partners and cooperative apex organisations are also expected to attend.
Mr Gonese said the expected participation highlighted the need for collaboration between Government, financial institutions, universities and the private sector in building a sustainable cooperative movement.
Cooperatives are increasingly recognised across Africa as important vehicles for agricultural transformation, financial inclusion, employment creation and community-based economic development, he said.
For Zimbabwe, Mr Gonese said the establishment of ZICMFP presented an opportunity to move beyond simply increasing the number of cooperatives towards building professionally managed institutions capable of competing in modern markets.
“The December 3 launch is therefore expected to set the stage for partnerships in professional training, research, inclusive insurance and institutional development, strengthening the role of cooperatives in the country’s economic transformation agenda,” he said.
