By Ncaba Ntshakala
More boost for Eswatini’s cooperative sector as the Deutsche Genossenschafts- und Raiffeisenverband (DGRV) of Germany has pledged to pump E30 million over the next three years (2025-2027) to support cooperative programs in the country and the region.
This was shared by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Mancoba Khumalo, during a press conference held at the Cabinet offices, Khumalo emphasized that this funding, subject to approval by the German Government (BMZ), would continue to support DGRV’s vital work in the region.
DGRV, which stands for Deutsche Genossenschafts- und Raiffeisenverband (German Confederation of Raiffeisen Cooperatives), has a formidable reputation globally, with a membership of 20 million individuals, representing one in every four Germans.
The Minister asserted that the organization’s expertise and success in Germany’s cooperative sector has a balance sheet of approximately E26 trillion and that such have paved the way for its expansion into Eswatini.
Khumalo stated that the partnership between DGRV and Eswatini has been made possible through the generous funding provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
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Since 2020, DGRV has had a presence in Eswatini, with partial offices and staff, and plans are underway to establish a permanent office by 2024/2025, which will support the team to 3-4 members, including an international representative.
“DGRV’s presence in Eswatini has been made possible through the generous funding provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),” the Minister stated.
“Since 2020, DGRV has had partial offices in Eswatini, staffed by one local employee. However, we are thrilled to announce that plans are underway to establish a permanent office by 2024/2025, with a team of 3-4 staff members, including an international representative.”
The Minister added that the financial commitment of DGRV in Eswatini has been substantial, with approximately E26 million invested in various initiatives from 2014 to date.
He said the proposed budget of E30 million for 2025-2027 shows DGRV’s continued dedication to supporting the cooperative sector’s growth and sustainability in the region.
DGRV has collaborated with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Trade (MCIT), the National Cooperative Federation of Eswatini (NCFE), and the Eswatini Association of Savings & Credit Cooperatives (ESASCCO).
And Minister Mancoba highlitghted that the impact has been profound. He said that technical assistance provided by DGRV has supported the NCFE as the voice of the cooperative sector, guiding institutional support, planning, and program implementation.
The Minister further shared that project like the Global Youth project, focusing on cooperative education for youth, and the management of banking software by ESASCCO highlights DGRV’s diverse contributions.
Moreover, Khumalo said that DGRV has played a crucial role in formulating cooperative policy and organization strategy for entities like NCFE, ESASCCO, and ESWAMCU, which has driven the cooperative sector growth and sustainability.
The Minister of Commerce again stated that DGRV has ambitious plans for its work in Eswatini, including establishing a Competence Centre for the Digitalization of Cooperatives and a permanent office.
Capacity building initiatives, training programs, and international exchange programs will remain central to DGRV’s efforts to strengthen cooperative development and international cooperation.
“Looking forward to the years 2025-2027, DGRV has an ambitious plan for their work in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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They aim to establish a Competence Centre for the Digitalization of Cooperatives in Eswatini and Africa, which will serve as a hub for innovative practices and technological advancements.”
Minister Mancoba said. “Furthermore, DGRV plans to establish their own office in Eswatini, solidifying their commitment to the region.
They will also focus on cooperatives policy and law formulation to support compliance and the overall development of cooperatives.
Additionally, DGRV will continue to support the further development of the NCFE and actively encourage the establishment of digital cooperatives owned by youth and women.”
He further expressed that DGRV Southern Africa’s dedication to Eswatini’s cooperative sector is commendable.
