Oikocredit Andalucía has announced its recent membership in REAS Andalucía, the Network of Alternative and Solidarity Economy, reaffirming its commitment to a more just and sustainable economy. This collaboration aims not only to highlight the importance of ethical finance in the Andalusian community but also to facilitate the creation of support networks among various organizations that fight for social justice.
The president of Oikocredit Andalucía, Manolo Sánchez-Matamoros Fontenla, emphasized that this union is a “natural step” in the organization’s mission to promote ethical finance. According to Sánchez-Matamoros, by working alongside other entities with similar values, a people-centered economic model focused on caring for the planet can be strengthened.
REAS Andalucía, for its part, focuses on building a solidarity economy that prioritizes respect for the environment and collective well-being. It is based on six essential principles, which include equity, cooperation, and a rejection of profit-oriented practices.
With nearly five decades of history, Oikocredit is an international cooperative originating from the Netherlands, specializing in providing microfinance solutions, support for sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy in developing countries. Its funding portfolio exceeds 1.045 billion euros, benefiting millions of people in regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The social impact of Oikocredit is palpable: last year, more than 53 million people, out of a total of 2.7 billion who lack access to credit or financial services, saw an improvement in their quality of life thanks to microloans. These resources have been key to increasing their incomes and accessing insurance, which in turn fosters the development of more resilient communities.
Additionally, Oikocredit is committed to assessing its social impact through the theory of change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In the Spanish context, its activities are strengthened through partnerships in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Andalusia, along with a volunteer group in Madrid dedicated to raising awareness about ethical finance.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish