ILO/Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) Public Seminar
"The Social Economy in Africa"

Summary of the Seminar

A videoconference-linked public seminar on the social economy in Africa was held at Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) on 25 November 2009.

Jointly organized by the ILO and the Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC), the event brought together experts in Tokyo and two African cities of Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam with large number of participants in Tokyo including foreign diplomats, government, development, research and corporate officers.

Moderated by ILO Office in Japan Director, Shinichi Hasegawa, the public seminar covered various themes concerning social economy including working definition of the social economy, microfinance for decent work, cooperative development and microinsurance in Africa, social economy-related activities of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union.

ILO provides working definition of the social economy as follows: "a concept designating enterprises and organizations which have the specific feature of producing goods, services and knowledge while pursuing both economic and social aims and fostering solidarity." ILO Tanzania's CoopAfrica Chief Technical Advisor, Philippe Vanhuynegem, explained that these entities were designated as "cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations, foundations and social enterprises" introducing main points of discussion at an ILO conference held in Johannesburg last month on the social economy in Africa.

Microfinance Expert, Judith van Doorn, talked about a global programme of the ILO, "Microfinance for Decent Work," which aims to determine how microfinance can contribute to the realization of decent work.

Four presentations were made to clarify the concept of the social economy. Introducing the definition of cooperatives as "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprises," Ethiopian Cooperative Expert, Abey Meherka, reported on cooperative development in his country and its penetration into the international coffee market, stressing the economic and social benefits of cooperatives.

Yoseph Aseffa, Microinsurance Expert of ILO Regional Office for Africa, speaking from Addis Ababa, made presentation on microinsurance in Africa, concept newly introduced to the continent. "Microinsurance serves as loan collateral for the working poor and low income businesses, encouraging more secure credit, entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby lifting them out of poverty," he said.

In Tokyo, JICA Senior Advisor, Takafumi Ueda, gave a presentation on social enterprises, describing "One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement" originating in Oita, southwest Japan. OVOP has energized communities through the promotion of social enterprises that focus on unique local products which can be marketed outside the community by value addition. "These social enterprises include cooperatives, enterprises, self-help groups, NGOs, and any producer groups," Ueda said as he outlined JICA-supported efforts being made in Africa.

Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union International Department Manager, Haruyoshi Amano, explained what Co-op is, how it differs from corporate enterprises, and the ways by which it supports members in essential areas like food, nutrition, health and environment, and its networking with the community.

Presentations were followed by pointed questions from participants seeking elaboration and clarification and the session continued past its allocated three hours. Wrapping up the event, ILO Office in Japan Director, Shinichi Hasegawa, commented that it was "a good session that covered various themes of the social economy."

Programme

Further information

• Flier - (pdf, 167Kb)
• Video recording: Keynote speech by Mr. Jürgen Schwettmann
• Summary of presentation by Ms. Judith van Doorn - (pdf, 28 KB)
• Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Philippe Vanhuynegem - (pdf, 144 KB)
• Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Abey Meherka - (pdf, 56 KB)
• Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Yoseph Asefa - (pdf, 122 KB)
• Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Takafumi Ueda - (pdf, 406 KB)
• Powerpoint presentation by Mr. Haruyoshi Amano - (pdf, 994 KB)