Global Presence of Cooperatives
The global spread of the cooperative idea has been inspired in part by German cooperative founders Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen and Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch. Over 170 years ago, these pioneers established the first resource associations and credit unions to support struggling individuals in agriculture and craftsmanship. Around the same time, similar cooperative initiatives were developing in other countries across Europe and worldwide. Today, cooperatives are found on every continent.
There are approximately 3 million cooperative enterprises globally, providing employment to 280 million people. Over 1 billion individuals are members of cooperatives worldwide.
In many countries, cooperatives form the backbone of the small and medium-sized business economy. For instance, in Brazil, there are around 4,700 cooperatives, including credit unions, agricultural cooperatives, and craft cooperatives—similar to the German system. A notable feature of Brazil’s cooperative sector is the 720 medical cooperatives that deliver healthcare services to patients collectively.
In Africa, cooperatives play a crucial role in the financial sector. Uganda, for example, boasts 24,000 savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) that provide essential financial services, especially in rural areas. For individuals and small businesses, these cooperatives often serve as the only gateway to capital markets, making them a cornerstone of economic development in the region’s rural communities.
Japan has a long cooperative tradition, deeply embedded in its economy and society. Out of approximately 41,100 cooperatives, around 35,000 are small and medium-sized enterprises collaborating in procurement, production, or distribution. The country is also home to other strong cooperative sectors, including 1,800 fishing cooperatives and 1,160 agricultural cooperatives.
On the fifth continent, Australia, cooperatives operate across a variety of industries. From banking and health insurance to agribusiness, Australia is home to more than 1,800 cooperatives. Together with their affiliated member enterprises, they provide around 167,000 secure and sustainable jobs.