Strengthening Cooperative Financial Institutions

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the cooperative financial institutions (CFIs) sector Core Insights - Cooperative financial institutions (CFIs) have significant potential to enhance financial inclusion in underserved areas, particularly in rural and marginal urban regions, but face challenges due to inadequate regulation, weak financial safety nets, and limited management capacity [16][17] - The World Bank and Rabo Partnerships project aims to strengthen CFIs by improving their regulatory and supervisory frameworks, as well as their institutional capacities, across Colombia, Ethiopia, and West Africa [17][32] Summary by Sections Background and Objective of the Project - The project focuses on promoting CFIs as a means to enhance financial inclusion and mobilize private capital, particularly in rural areas where CFIs are often the only financial service providers [29][30] - Strengthening CFIs is seen as a cost-effective policy for financial sector development compared to creating new retail networks [23][30] Project Objective and Main Activities - The project employs a parallel approach, with the World Bank focusing on regulatory and supervisory improvements while Rabo Partnerships provides technical support to enhance operational capabilities of CFIs [32][34] Selection Process of Pilot Countries/Jurisdictions - Colombia, Ethiopia, and West Africa were selected based on their potential for public sector engagement and the relevance of the CFI sector for financial inclusion [41][43] Colombia - The cooperative sector in Colombia consists of 176 CFIs serving approximately 3.6 million members, with significant potential for agricultural development [47][44] - The project aims to improve regulatory frameworks and support integration among CFIs to enhance their operational efficiency [50][51] Ethiopia - Ethiopia has around 21,883 SACCOs serving over 6 million members, playing a crucial role in financial inclusion [54][45] - The project identifies the need for a specific SACCO law and improved regulatory frameworks to enhance the sector's effectiveness [55][57] West Africa - The CIF network in West Africa serves 5 million members and aims to enhance its supervisory and safety net functions [62][63] - The project focuses on improving governance and risk management within the CIF network to better serve its members [66][68] Lessons Learned - The project highlights the importance of parallel improvements in regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities for CFIs to thrive [72] - Greater consolidation within the CFI sector is essential for resilience, particularly in contexts affected by fragility, conflict, and violence [70][72]