October 13, 2021
This year, the Award for Excellence for Research on Cooperatives and Mutuals will be offered to Ivan Dabiré for his Master’s supervised project carried out as part of the Master in Management and Sustainable Development, during the virtual event “COOP: un modèle d’avenir!” on October 19 at 4 p.m. To see the award ceremony, learn more about Ivan’s project and about cooperative entrepreneurship, register here.
Summary of the supervised project “Renewable Electricity Production Cooperatives in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis of Success Factors” by Ivan Dabiré
This work is an analysis of the factors conducive to the success of renewable electricity production in a cooperative business model, in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding the Republic of South Africa). The study was structured around this region to contribute to discussions on remedying the energy shortages that are prevalent in the majority of these 48 countries. In this regard, we first analyzed the main gaps that hamper electricity production in sub-Saharan countries. To do this, we have approached the management difficulties in a cooperative model. We then adopted the seven constraints suggested by Clé-Anne Gabriel, Jodyanne Kirkwood, Sara Walton and Elizabeth Rose in their study How do developping countries constraints affect renewable energy entrepreneur. These obstacles have enabled us to assess the difficulties that cooperatives may encounter, as project promoters, in the field of renewable energies in developing countries.
Based on bibliographical research on the elements of success observed with cooperatives as well as interviews with professionals in the cooperative sector, we proposed four solutions. First of all, these are important elements for the mobilization of future members of the cooperative. These elements were supplemented in the second place by a study of the various government supports adequate for the establishment and the viability of the cooperatives. Third, we proposed the grouping of cooperatives into federations or regional associations. This measure is conducive to reducing several costs and building capacities between cooperatives. Fourth, we also suggest the advent of cooperative twinning, allowing emerging cooperatives to be supported by a more successful twin.
Keywords: cooperative, renewable energy, sub-Saharan Africa, obstacles to electricity production.
Read the supervised project (in French) on CoopGateway
About the author, Ivan Dabiré
Ivan Dabiré holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Montreal. This study program allowed him to nurture his curiosity about international relations, as well as the economic dynamics in so-called developing countries. In particular, he was troubled to understand that the consequences of climate change would disproportionately affect several non-industrialized countries. Indeed, although the latter emit very little GHG, they are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of infrastructure necessary to limit the damage.
He then began studying for the Masters in Management and Sustainable Development at HEC Montreal. He was introduced to strategies that can allow organizations to adapt to a difficult environmental and social context, but also lead companies to offer solutions for the well-being of their stakeholders. This is how Ivan became interested in cooperative movements in sub-Saharan Africa. This research work on renewable energy cooperatives demonstrates that this business model deserves more attention in electrification and energy transition strategies in Africa and elsewhere.
After holding positions in a financial institution and a Montreal Fintech, Ivan is currently interested in finance and how it can be used as a tool for building an economy that is less damaging to ecosystems.