African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Associations
The African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) is a non governmental co-operative confederation representing SACCOs in Africa. It operates as a non-government, non-political and Pan-African Confederation of National Associations for Savings and Credit Co-operative Movement with the Secretariat based in Nairobi, Kenya. History. ACCOSCA was formed in 1968, by representatives of African National Association of Saving and Credit Unions together with other African Co-operative leaders. Its origin stems from the need to promote co-operative movements by African Government and subsequently  promote economic growth of countries in Africa through SACCOs. It partners with the World Council of Credit Unions to foster the development of African credit unions through the Africa Revitalization Program. The organization has a department dedicated to increasing access to credit for rural women. ACCOSCA disbanded in 2001 following four years of inactivity. It was agreed by the members Under the Malawi declaration to revive ACCOSCA, the managing director of KUSCCO at that time was appointed interim CEO. Structure. The General assembly is the highest organ of the organization. For efficiency, the member countries are classified into 3 blocks  that include: For effective coordination, each block is represented by two directors in the national apex bodies of the countries they represent. Members. Membership applies to National organisations (Leagues, Associations, Unions, Federations, Promotion Committees) of co-operative savings and credit cooperatives, which operate in or are based on the continent of Africa or any of the off shore islands and which are recognised by the government in their respective countries as being the organisation representing Saving and Credit Co-operatives in that Country. Members with Apex bodies SACCA Congress. It is an Annual Savings and Credit Co- operative Association of  Africa meeting that brings together board members of SACCOs and various stakeholders across Africa to deliberate on issue affecting the SACCOs. The name SACCA has alternated with African SACCO Technical Congress which is hosted by a member country selected by the delegates. Over the years this event has been organised by ACCOSCA in collaboration with host governments and development partners World Council of Credit Unions, Canadian Co-operative Association, Irish League of Credit Unions. SACCO Leaders Forum. This is an annual meeting that brings together SACCO leaders from Africa, Academics, government officials, researchers and the international community, thus creating an  avenue for information sharing and networking. SACCO Women Forum. An annual meeting of women that hold management positions in Sacco's across Africa. This forum serves as a unique professional development opportunity where officials from North America share their expertise in key operational areas. Participants also get an opportunity to brainstorm on contemporary approaches to human resource management, as well as product development methods. Women also get to share and form solutions to problems facing them in the work place. Services and Publications. ACCOSCA carries out research on various issues that affect the world of cooperatives such as marginalized communities  and sustainability of cooperatives in Africa