Malonza Wins Unanimous Vote To Lead Africas Cooperative Movement

By Fred Aminga Tuesday, 9^th June 2026

Kenya has strengthened its position as a continental leader in the cooperative sector after Macloud Malonza, Chairman of Co-operative Bank Holdings and Chairman of the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), was elected Chairperson of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Africa in a landslide victory that underscored his influence within the movement.

Malonza secured all 65 votes cast during the election, defeating two contenders from Nigeria — Lawrence Bale and Ojo Oladayo Aindehinde, both representing the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria. The unanimous endorsement by delegates from across Africa reflected broad confidence in his leadership and vision for the future of the continent’s cooperative sector.

His election places a Kenyan at the helm of the continent’s most influential cooperative organization, which represents millions of cooperative members and enterprises across Africa. The appointment is expected to further elevate Kenya’s profile as a model cooperative economy and strengthen its role in shaping policies that promote financial inclusion, agricultural development, trade, and sustainable economic growth.

Malonza assumes office at a time when cooperatives are increasingly being recognized as key drivers of economic empowerment and social transformation. Across Africa, cooperatives play a critical role in providing financial services, supporting farmers, creating jobs, and expanding access to markets, particularly in underserved communities.

In his acceptance speech, Malonza described the victory as a collective achievement for the cooperative movement rather than a personal triumph. He said that the move was not a personal achievement but a collective victory for cooperators across Africa who continue to demonstrate that people-centred enterprises can transform communities and economies.

“Today is not about one individual, one country, or one region. It is about the future of cooperatives in Africa. The challenges facing our continent, youth unemployment, food insecurity, climate change, financial exclusion, and inequalityrequire strong, innovative, and united cooperative solutions.

As President, I will work closely with the Regional Board, member organizations, governments, development partners, and the ICA-Africa Secretariat to advance our shared priorities. We must strengthen cooperative governance, increase member engagement, support youth and women leadership, promote cooperative entrepreneurship, enhance regional trade, and position cooperatives as key drivers of Africas economic transformation,” he said.

Malonza pledged to champion stronger institutions, innovation, and collaboration among cooperative organizations across the continent.

He also emphasized the importance of unity among African cooperatives in leveraging opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Together we can create a stronger cooperative voice in global policy discussions and ensure that cooperatives become key drivers of inclusive growth, social justice and sustainable development across Africa,” he added.

“We will also continue to strengthen our engagement with the African Union, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure that the voice of African cooperatives is heard and respected at every level,” Malaonza told delegates.

Malonza brings decades of experience in the cooperative movement. Besides chairing the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya, he serves as Chairman of Co-operative Bank Holdings and has held leadership positions in some of Kenya’s largest cooperative institutions, including Harambee Sacco and Co-op Holdings Cooperative Society.

His unanimous election is being viewed as a strong endorsement of both his leadership credentials and Kenya’s cooperative model, which is among the most developed in Africa. With more than 15 million Kenyans linked to cooperative societies and billions of shillings mobilized through Saccos and cooperative enterprises, the country has long been regarded as a benchmark for cooperative development on the continent.

Malonza’s election marks another milestone in the country’s growing influence within Africa’s cooperative movement. For the continent, it signals a renewed commitment to strengthening member-owned enterprises as engines of inclusive growth, economic resilience, and shared prosperity.