More than 200 cooperative representatives from across the globe are convening in Kigali for the second International Conference on Business Management and Innovation (ICBMI 2025). The high-level gathering seeks to strengthen the capacity of cooperatives through innovative business models, inclusiveness, and sustainability strategies.
Organized by UNILAK in collaboration with its partners, the conference runs under the theme: “Building Co-operatives’ Resilience: Strengthening Capacity Building, Innovation, Inclusiveness, and Sustainability.”
The two-day intercontinental meeting, which officially opened on Wednesday, October 1, has attracted cooperative leaders, regulators, academicians, and industry policymakers. Together, they are exploring ways to enhance the role of cooperatives in fostering empowerment, equity, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Jean Ngamije, UNILAK Vice Chancellor, emphasized the timeliness of the conference in helping cooperatives to adapt to current world economic shifts and climate change, among others.
View the event’s Picture here
“In Rwanda and beyond, cooperatives continue to transform lives, particularly for women and youth, by encouraging resource sharing, reducing deep risks, and enhancing local economies,” he said.
He underscored the importance of continuous education, mentorship, and research to build resilient cooperatives. He urged leaders to adopt innovative tools and business models that guarantee sustainability, while promoting inclusivity, particularly through engaging youth entrepreneurs and women with disabilities.
His words were echoed by the Managing Director of Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), Dr. Olivier Mukulira.
He underscored the conference’s contribution in fostering inclusiveness in cooperatives.
“Inclusiveness must remain the heart of cooperative identity. Without equity and fairness, sustainability cannot be achieved,” said Dr. Olivier
The conference has also served as a platform for sharing case studies of successful cooperatives. Panel discussions highlighted how strategic partnerships, digital tools, and resilient governance structures can help cooperatives withstand economic shocks while continuing to serve their members.
ICBMI 2025 provides a platform for experience sharing, research dissemination, and policy dialogue, positioning cooperatives as vital drivers of socio-economic transformation. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies, participants are examining how cooperatives can adapt to changing economic landscapes while maintaining inclusiveness and resilience.