Parliament Urges Action on Cooperative Oversight Failures

Rwanda, April 15, 2026 - Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies has called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) to urgently address persistent challenges affecting cooperatives, particularly delays in inspections that lawmakers say are undermining their performance and sustainability.

The recommendation was adopted on April 14, 2026, following the presentation of a report by the parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality and related matters during a plenary session.

Presenting the findings, Committee Chairperson Deputy Nabahire Anastase acknowledged that Rwanda has established a comprehensive framework for cooperative management, including a national policy, relevant legislation, and supervisory institutions. However, he noted that significant gaps remain in implementation.

“These shortcomings have led to serious consequences, including poor management, weak performance, and financial losses affecting cooperative members, as highlighted in the 2024/2025 report of the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said.

Data from the Rwanda Cooperatives Regulatory Authority (RCA) indicates that out of approximately 11,000 registered cooperatives, more than 4,200 are currently inactive.

According to the committee, one of the primary causes of these challenges is the prolonged absence of regular inspections and advisory support. Lawmakers noted that some cooperatives have gone more than 17 years without any formal inspection.

In response, the Chamber of Deputies has instructed MINICOM to develop and implement measures to address these delays, improve oversight mechanisms, and strengthen the functioning of cooperatives.

The ministry has been given a deadline of three months to report back on the steps taken to resolve the issue, with the aim of restoring efficiency, accountability, and public confidence in the cooperative sector.

Social and Health