The Network of Centre of Competence or Cooperative Business Service Providers

The Cooperative National Advisory Group (NAG) (pdf file, 104Kb) is a platform set up in the objective of promoting the development of cooperatives, strengthening cooperative support organisations, advocating for the cooperative business model as an alternative way of creating social and economic wealth, and enhancing visibility and recognition of the cooperative movement in Africa.

The NAG gathers representatives of the main cooperative organisations and is a key partner in addressing cooperative related issues, as well as in supporting cooperatives in mobilising technical and financial resources.

In managing the Challenge Fund, a grant facility of the ILO CoopAfrica programme www.ilo.org/coopafrica, the NAG identifies potential beneficiaries, provides advice and guidance in writing proposals, disseminates information in regards to Centres of Competence (CoC) etc...

For the fourth round of the Challenge Fund (deadline October 18th, 2009) applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals with an Implementing Partner which is a support organisation that:

1. -is recognised as Centre of Competence,  or
2. -is in the process to qualify as CoC, or
3. - intends to go through the CoC process.

• Small Grants proposals are eligible to apply up to 20,000 USD.
• Proposals submitted during Call are eligible to apply up to 50,000 USD.
• Proposals that have entered a formal contract with Implementing   Partners - who have been recognised as Centres of Competence - are eligible in exceptional cases to apply up to 150,000 USD.

Organisations listed here have been assessed and selected for their capacity and potential to deliver high quality business services to cooperatives. The National Advisory Group, with the support of ILO/CoopAfrica recognise and recommend these service providers as quality Centres of Competence (CoC) to be contracted as Implementing Partners.

Should they wish to contract with a CoC, individual cooperatives are advised to agree specific and clear terms of reference, to negotiate appropriate fees, and to monitor the quality of service provided carefully. The NAG can request feedback from individual cooperatives about the performance of any CoC they have contracted to provide services, in order that recommendations can be updated to fit practical experience.

As specified in the Application Form, the partnership between the CoC Service Provider and the Challenge Fund Applicant should be formalised through a Letter of Agreement to be signed between both parties and submitted with the proposal.

CoopAfrica is not responsible for the performance of individual CoCs.

Full List of CoC