Conference on SACCOs' economic importance
Though frequently overlooked in research and interventions on financial inclusion, SACCOs are crucial for financing the projects of millions of Africans. This one-day conference brings together researchers and practitioners to take stock of SACCOs’ economic importance and identify needs and opportunities for supporting their work.
Date: 27 November 2026
Location: Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala town Kampus, Kibuli
Information about registration, conference programme etc to be announced in August.
Organizers:
- Georg Schmerzeck, University of Gothenburg
- Prisca Kyalisiima, Mountains of the Moon University
- Madinah Nabukeera, Islamic University in Uganda
SACCO stands for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization.
A SACCO is a member-owned cooperative in which members:
- save money together,
- can apply for loans from the common fund,
- jointly own the organization, and
- share any surplus or profits.
SACCOs are particularly common in many African countries, where traditional banking services are not always accessible to everyone. They therefore play an important role in promoting financial inclusion and providing financing for small businesses. They also support housing projects and other local development initiatives.