Botswana seeks Kenya’s insights to transform its Sacco sector

Botswana aims to bolster its cooperative sector by learning from Kenya's cooperative movement, which is the largest in Africa and one of the strongest globally. Botswana Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe led a delegation to visit Kenya's Kenya National Police DT Sacco in order to gain practical insights on improving its own industry.

Gaolathe described the Kenyan board members' discipline as remarkable, and expressed determination to implement the lessons learned upon returning to Botswana. The delegation toured the Kenya National Police DT Sacco to examine their strengths across various areas such as governance, digital financial services, financial sustainability, and member education.

Kenya National Police DT Sacco Chairman David Mategwa emphasized the value of African institutions sharing their successful strategies, stating that this visit underscores the significance of cooperation among African institutions to spur the growth of the cooperative movement across the continent. Discussions revolving around the visit encompassed governance, member education, savings mobilization, digital financial services, institutional sustainability, and strategic partnerships.

The delegation also investigated the broader role of cooperatives in supporting various community initiatives, including education, healthcare, climate action, and community development. CE Solomon Atsiaya of Kenya National Police DT Sacco elucidated his institution's transformation is driven by a principle: a SACCO must perpetually adapt to the needs of its members.

Atsiaya praised the institution's digital platform as its "biggest branch" while underscoring the importance of continuously strengthening members' savings culture. Gaolathe extended an invitation for the Sacco's leadership to visit Botswana, fostering a reciprocal learning experience for both institutions.