An Afternoon of Credit Union and Cooperative Economics

Boston – November 24th 2018 – 9am
London – November 24th 2018 – 2pm

London-based Afrikan Cooperative Union Credit Study Group led by Adotey Adotey Bing-Pappoe organized a teleconference discussion on credit unions and cooperative economics. The event took place at 336 Brixton Road in London SW9 7AA, UK. The guest speakers were Voury Ignegongba, AiB President, Shiranti Goonathilkaka, Director of Engagement and Experience at Village Financial Cooperative and H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihomobori-Quao, African Union Ambassador to the United States. The guest speakers made their presentation via a zoom link channel from their respective location: Boston, MA, Minneapolis, MN and Washington,DC. Mr. Ignegongba highlighted the New England Diaspora Credit Union model and its potential to empower an ecosystem of businesses in New England known as the Book of Lists. Ms. Goonathilkaka explained the Village Financial Cooperative model and its impacts on small loans and in intra-communities in Minneapolis.
Mr. Adotey Bing-Pappoe presented the ACU credit Union initiative and its strategy for growth in London and the UK. And finally, H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao talked about the importance of unity and gaining control of their financial destiny for Africans and presented the concept of the Diaspora Savings and Investments Account as a vehicle to build “Wakanda” zones on the Africa continent. The event ended with a Q&A session during which speakers entertained and addressed questions and comments.

The discussion opened up a number of possible avenues to explore in pushing the boundaries of African economic, political, cultural and psychological progress.