The Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Philip Makgalemele has lamented little interest shown in cooperatives for economic empowerment though they have high potential for growth and employment generation. Speaking at the 50th Francistown Consumers’ Cooperative Society anniversary celebrations recently, Makgalemele said economic diversification, employment creation and improved rural livelihoods are guaranteed through cooperatives. According to available facts, over 100 million jobs have been generated by cooperatives around the world. It is believed that agriculture is the major source of income and employment in the rural areas and the majority of cooperatives are found in the agricultural sector. “The impact of cooperatives in providing income to rural populations creates additional employment through multiplier effects,” he said, adding that cooperatives are significant in providing jobs to the rural communities. He added that cooperatives create additional employment through business clusters including enabling other rural enterprises to grow and in turn provide local jobs. “Cooperatives provide jobs in all sectors such as yours (Francistown Consumers’ Cooperative Society) found in the cosmopolitan setting as Francistown city,” he said. Makgalemele urged Francistown Consumers’ Cooperative Society to diversify and remain relevant to their members and communities. Smarts Shabane, the Society chairperson, said their transformative strategy has…