Members of ICMIF automatically join one of three regional associations. These associations serve key geographic regions, providing further opportunities for members to network and share business experiences and best practice.

The Americas Association of Cooperative/Mutual Insurance Societies (AAC/MIS)

Formed in 1979 AAC/MIS is a regional association of 55 cooperative and mutual organisations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Originally formed to serve populations without access to insurance protection, today AAC/MIS member companies in developing countries are a sustainable and highly effective way to develop appropriate and affordable insurance products to reduce the personal and business risks of low-income rural and urban households and micro-enterprises.

AAC/MIS offers technical assistance and educational opportunities to new and emerging cooperative and mutual insurers based on the principle of mutual self-help. It also responds to requests asking for assistance in forming an insurance agency, department or company. Over the past 25 years, AAC/MIS has played a leading part in the creation and expansion of eight insurers throughout the Americas.

The association fosters the professional development of members through an annual conference as well as through periodic seminars and workshops.

Web site: www.aacmis.org

Association Middle East and North Africa (AMENA)

Recently approved by the ICMIF Board, AMENA will assist the growth of the takaful (Islamic insurance) and mutual sector in the region.

The Association is yet to be formally established but the Secretariat will be based in Tunis, Tunisia.

Asia and Oceania Association (AOA)

The Asia and Oceania Association (AOA) was established to promote mutual friendship and exchange of information among ICMIF members in Asia and Oceania in 1984.

Membership of the AOA is composed of organisations that are members of ICMIF in the Asia-Oceania region. At present there are 48 members from 15 countries.

The Association promotes the cooperative insurance movement in Asia and Oceania and provides opportunities for the members to express their opinions on the activities of ICMIF. At the same time it helps promote the exchange of personnel among members and offers opportunities for discussion in order to solve common problems among members. As with all Federation activities, it provides an ideal framework for friendship and good communication.

AOA activities split into two main parts: conferences, seminars and forums; and, second, development activities. The Association holds a general meeting and a seminar and separate forum covering vital issues every two years.

Working closely with the Federation’s development committee, the AOA Secretariat assists in supporting new or recently established cooperative insurers, using the Federation’s basic principle of “help for self help”.

Web site: www.aoa-icmif.org