Kanchibiya District Cooperative Inspector, Yona Kaonga has called on cooperatives to embrace asset ownership as a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic empowerment.
 In an interview, Mr Kaonga emphasised that cooperatives must shift from being passive recipients of support to becoming custodians of assets that generate long-term value for their members and communities.
Mr Kaonga highlighted that asset ownership enables cooperatives to reduce dependency on external support by generating their own income.
“Cooperatives should not just wait for government inputs or handouts, they must take ownership of assets, whether it is land, machinery, processing facilities, or infrastructure that can create wealth and opportunities for their members,” said Mr Kaonga.
He stated that cooperatives should encourage members to contribute savings or apply for grants to purchase shared assets, such as irrigation systems, storage facilities and vehicles.
ZANIS reports that Mr Kaonga further called on local leaders, traditional rulers, and cooperative members to champion the cause of asset ownership.
“Together, we can build a future where cooperatives are not just beneficiaries but drivers of economic growth,” he stated.
Meanwhile Kanchibiya District Co-operative Union Chairperson, Robert Mushili said asset ownership leads to job creation through cooperative-led enterprises, such as agro-processing, transport services, or renewable energy projects.
Mr Mushili said asset ownership by Cooperatives can build resilience against economic shocks by diversifying income streams and also reinvest profits into community development, such as schools, health posts, or roads.
“When a cooperative owns an asset, it becomes a legacy for future generations, It is not just about immediate profits, it is about building something lasting,” he added.
