Elise Pierrette Memong Meno to Speak as Keynote at the 2nd Akwa Ibom Women Co-operatives Summit (Nigeria)

RIPESS is pleased to highlight the participation of Elise Pierrette Memong Meno as Keynote Speaker at the 2nd Akwa Ibom Women Co-operatives Summit, to be held on 3–4 February 2026 in Uyo, Nigeria.

Elise Pierrette Memong Meno is Secretary General of RAESS (African Network for the Promotion of the Social and Solidarity Economy), RAESS representative on the RIPESS Board of Directors, and President of RESSCAM (Social and Solidarity Economy Network of Cameroon). Her work reflects a strong commitment to strengthening the social and solidarity economy, the cooperative movement, and women’s leadership across Africa.

Organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Co-operatives Development in Africa (CECODA), the Summit will bring together more than 2,500 women cooperative representatives, public authorities, international organizations, and key stakeholders. Under the theme “Advancing Women Co-operatives Development through Clusters”, the event aims to promote innovative, sustainable, and inclusive cooperative models.

In her keynote address, Elise Pierrette Memong Meno will speak on “Building Livelihood Security for Women through Co-operatives”, sharing strategic insights and practical experiences on the transformative role of cooperatives in women’s economic empowerment and territorial development.

RIPESS warmly welcomes this participation, which strengthens the visibility of African leadership in the social and solidarity economy and reinforces collective commitments to economic and gender justice.