Introduction
On the occasion of the Digital Africa Rising Conference, we propose to hold a 6-hour workshop for young scholars to share their varied experience on the theme “Leveraging Digital Technologies for Transformative Change in Collectives: Exploring Platform Cooperativism in Africa”. The workshop will be in-person and mainly focused on career development paths for scholars with interests in exploring digital transformation in cooperatives, chamas and other collectives in Africa. Chamas, informal cooperative savings and investment groups that are prevalent in East Africa (merico rounds in other parts of Africa), have long played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and social development in the region. With the advent of digital technologies, the potential for chamas and other collectives across various sectors to transform and innovate has grown exponentially. This workshop seeks to explore the transformative potential of digital technologies in chamas and other collectives, engaging with the framework of Platform Cooperativism to examine successful global models and innovative African approaches in digital platform governance and ownership.
Objective
This workshop aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing that will drive innovation and transformation in chamas and other collectives across Africa. Through a focus on digital technologies and platform cooperativism, we aim a network of young scholars who are curious about models that empower communities and promote inclusive economic growth that benefits all members of the society. Specifically, we will accept emerging cooperative scholars whose research interests seeks:
• To explore the role
Introduction
On the occasion of the Digital Africa Rising Conference, we propose to hold a 6-hour workshop for young scholars to share their varied experience on the theme “Leveraging Digital Technologies for Transformative Change in Collectives: Exploring Platform Cooperativism in Africa”. The workshop will be in-person and mainly focused on career development paths for scholars with interests in exploring digital transformation in cooperatives, chamas and other collectives in Africa. Chamas, informal cooperative savings and investment groups that are prevalent in East Africa (merico rounds in other parts of Africa), have long played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and social development in the region. With the advent of digital technologies, the potential for chamas and other collectives across various sectors to transform and innovate has grown exponentially. This workshop seeks to explore the transformative potential of digital technologies in chamas and other collectives, engaging with the framework of Platform Cooperativism to examine successful global models and innovative African approaches in digital platform governance and ownership.
Objective
This workshop aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing that will drive innovation and transformation in chamas and other collectives across Africa. Through a focus on digital technologies and platform cooperativism, we aim a network of young scholars who are curious about models that empower communities and promote inclusive economic growth that benefits all members of the society. Specifically, we will accept emerging cooperative scholars whose research interests seeks:
• To explore the role of digital technologies in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of chamas and other collectives in sectors such as finance, housing, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and more.
• To analyze successful global models of platform cooperatives and their impact on collective ownership and governance.
• To identify innovative African approaches to digital platform governance and ownership that can provide fresh perspectives and insights.
• To facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders, including chama members, policymakers, researchers, and technology developers.
• To discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital technologies in chamas and other collectives, and to develop strategies for maximizing their transformative potential.
Key Themes
We welcome submission related projects that involve digital initiatives by legacy co-ops, platform cooperatives, and other adjacent grassroots projects in the platform economy (i.e., couriers organizing their own alternative collectives, online markets, or mobile money innovations, in the health space, agriculture, potentially by credit unions/saccos). We will accept applications from young scholars exploring the following themes:
• Digital transformation in chamas and other collectives: Opportunities and challenges
• Platform cooperativism: Global models and their relevance in African contexts
• Innovative African approaches to digital platform governance and ownership
• Case studies of successful digital initiatives in chamas and collectives across sectors
• Policy implications for promoting digital inclusion and platform cooperativism in Africa.
Target Audience
This workshop is intended for young researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs working in the fields of cooperative economics, digital technologies, development, and social innovation. Scholars will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field, engage in discussions and workshops, and network with like- minded professionals.
Workshop Format
The conference will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Scholars will have the opportunity to explore case studies, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions for leveraging digital technologies in cooperative in Africa. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, this conference aims to catalyze transformative change in the way collectives operate and empower communities in Africa. Join us in exploring the potential of platform cooperativism in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
