Oikocredit holds 49th Annual General Meeting

Looking back and looking ahead 

Managing Director Mirjam ‘t Lam presented an overview marking 50 years of Oikocredit. Her report highlighted milestones from 2024, including the growth of the community-focused portfolio, enhanced use of data and reporting, progress on the rebranding and investor journeys, the launch of the Global Learning for Transformation and Advocacy (GLTA) climate initiative, and increasing recognition of Oikocredit’s client self-perception survey.   

Updates and reports 

During the meeting, members received updates on Oikocredit’s activities and financial performance over the past year. Key highlights included: 

• Financial Report and Managing Board report: Managing Director Mirjam ‘t Lam, in her role as Interim Director of Finance and Risk,  presented the financial overview, noting that despite solid operating income and portfolio growth, increased risks from global instability affected overall results. To protect members’ capital, the Managing Board and Supervisory Board did not submit a proposal to pay out a dividend this year. Mirjam also shared that the Managing Board’s priority areas are now improving portfolio quality and composition, supporting a positive trend in capital inflow, and moving towards a sustainable operating model with the ability to pay a 2% dividend. 

• Supervisory Board report: Cheryl Jackson, outgoing Chair of the Supervisory Board (SB), outlined the SB’s oversight activities in 2024, including the mid-term strategy review, and involvement in appointments and the cooperative identity project. Incoming Chair of the Supervisory Board Arpita Pal Agrawal shared the priorities for 2025 including raising alternate capital, proactive portfolio risk management, organisation & network efficiency and strengthening brand & impact awareness. 

• Audit and Risk oversight: Charity Chanda Lumpa, SB member and committee chair, reported on the SB’s work around financial oversight, risk management and internal and external audit matters. 

• Members’ Council activities: Malu Padilla presented the role and contributions of the Members’ Council (MC), and Anita Clemons updated members on new nominations, including Brigitte Monsou from France and Innocent B Kangwa from South Africa. 

• Capacity Building: Foteini Katzilaki and Barbara Rademaker shared updates and reflections on fundraising and Capacity-Building initiatives, highlighting both recent progress and key takeaways. 

Key decisions and appointments 

Key decisions voted on were: 

• The members approved the annual accounts for 2024. 

• The work of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board in the past year was endorsed. 

• Members discussed and agreed not to pay out any dividend for the year 2024 based on the financial results.  

• The appointment of BDO as external auditor for 2025 was approved. 

Appointments and elections were: 

• Arpita Pal Agrawal was reappointed to the Supervisory Board. 

• Charity Chanda Lumpa was reappointed to the Supervisory Board. 

• Francisco Olivares was reappointed to the Supervisory Board. 

• Lilit Gharayan was reappointed to the Supervisory Board. 

• Brigitte Monsou was appointed to the Members’ Council. 

• Innocent B Kangwa was appointed to the Members’ Council. 

No amendments to the Articles of Association were proposed at this AGM. 

The meeting concluded with a warm farewell and thanks to long-time Supervisory Board member Cheryl Jackson for her service. 

Continuing the mission 

As Oikocredit celebrates 50 years of investing in people and communities, the 49th AGM reaffirmed the cooperative’s commitment to financial stewardship, impact-driven strategy, and inclusive governance. Members left the meeting energised to continue building a resilient, mission-aligned future together.’ 

For further details, members may consult the official AGM documentation.