Cooperatives are viewed as potentially important vehicles for community development since they can solve local problems by mobilizing local resources into a critical mass, and by virtue of being locally owned and controlled, cooperatives can keep profits and responsibility in the hands of local citizens. It is imperative to mention that the cooperative structure has the potential to create more substantial social and economic benefits within a community.
In order to promote Cooperatives in Malawi, we developed and implemented Pamodzi Loan product to provide loans and financing to Cooperatives as they provide goods and services while generating jobs and income for the community. In addition to these economic benefits, cooperatives generate positive social influences within their communities.