🎉 New

St. Margaret's has been awarded a K219,200 ZESCO contract — our first major project! Read more →

Registered Co-operative · Zambia

St. Margaret's
Co-op.

St. Margaret's is a faith-rooted, member-run co-operative. We believe economic empowerment starts in community — not in boardrooms.

42+
Members
K50.00
Dishes for Rent
K219K
1st Contract
2023
Founded
ST. MARGARET'S CO-OPERATIVE EST. 2023 · ZAMBIA

Born in Community.
Built for Everyone.

We are a group of Christians who came together with a simple conviction: when we pool our resources, support one another, and stay committed, we can build something lasting.

St. Margaret's Co-operative was born not from a boardroom but from a church community — people who wanted to move beyond birthday messages and condolences, toward real, practical empowerment.

We registered in 2023 under the laws of Zambia. We started small, made mistakes, went quiet at times — but we held on. And now we are moving.

In 2025 we were awarded our first major contract — a K219,200 vegetation clearing project from ZESCO. We have a growing treasury, an active membership, and a vision for what this community can build together over the next decade.

This is not a charity. This is not a company. This is a co-operative — owned by its members, run for its members, accountable to its members.

🌱 Join the Co-operative
🤝 The 7 Co-operative Principles
1
Voluntary & Open MembershipOpen to all willing to accept the responsibilities.
2
Democratic Member ControlOne member, one vote — regardless of investment.
3
Member Economic ParticipationMembers contribute equitably and share proportionally.
4
Autonomy & IndependenceControlled entirely by our members.
5
Education & InformationMembers are educated to contribute effectively.
6
Co-operation Among Co-operativesWorking together serves members most effectively.
7
Concern for CommunityWorking for sustainable community development.

What Your Membership
Unlocks

🗳️

One Member, One Vote

Your democratic voice is equal to every other member's — regardless of how much you've invested. That is the foundation of co-operative governance.

📈

Proportional Returns

Your share of any surplus is proportional to your capital contribution. Invest more, earn more — with full transparency on how every kwacha is working.

🏗️

First Access to Contracts

Paid-up members have first right to participate in co-operative projects and earn income — at fair market rates, from within our own community.

⚡ Active Contract · 2025

We've Secured Our First
Major Contract with ZESCO

St. Margaret's has been awarded a vegetation clearing contract by Zambia's national electricity utility — covering the Mutumbi / Chongwe corridor. This is what collective action looks like.

See All Projects →
K219K
Contract value
3 mo
Duration
ZESCO
Client
182km
Coverage

Membership Made
Simple

A seat at the table, a vote in every decision, and access to every opportunity we create — for K500 a year.

1
Express Your Interest

Contact us via WhatsApp or the form below. We'll confirm your eligibility and walk you through next steps.

2
Pay Annual Membership Fee

K500 per year — non-refundable. This activates your membership, your vote, and your access to all projects.

3
Make Your Investment Pledge

Choose your share capital band and start contributing. Begin where you're comfortable — you can always grow.

4
Attend Quarterly Meetings

Members participate in general meetings held virtually every quarter. Your voice shapes our direction.

💰 Fees & Investment Bands

Start where you are. Grow as we grow.

Annual membership fee
K500/yr
Share capital — entry band
K5,000
Share capital — band 2
K12,000
Share capital — band 3
K15,000
Share capital — band 4
K20,000
Individual shareholding cap
20% max
Share capital is non-refundable. If you exit, shares may be transferred to another member with board approval.
🌱 Apply for Membership

Our Projects &
Opportunities

Income-generating projects that benefit every member. Here's what we're working on.

⚡ Active 🌿

ZESCO Vegetation Clearing — Mutumbi / Chongwe

We applied for a national ZESCO tender for vegetation clearing beneath power line pylons — and we were selected. The contract covers 182km of corridor through Mutumbi to Chongwe.

💰 K219,200 ⏱ 3 months 🏢 ZESCO 📅 2025
🍽️

Event Equipment Rental — Chafing Dishes & Table Sets

Professional chafing dishes and event equipment for hire — weddings, church functions, corporate events. Full sets including dishes, glasses, table mats, and cutlery available across our network.

✅ Ongoing 📍 Zambia 📞 Enquire below
🌅 On the Horizon
🏛️Government Bonds
🏦Microfinance Investment
🌍Land Acquisition
📚Member Education

Invest With Us

Your money doesn't sit still here. It works — for you, and for every member.

🗳️ One member, one vote

Your voting rights are equal to every other member's regardless of how much you invest. Democratic control is guaranteed.

📈 Proportional returns

Returns are distributed in proportion to your share capital. The board declares a dividend annually or retains surplus for growth.

🔒 The 20% cap

By Zambian Co-operative law, no single member may hold more than 20% of total shareholding. This protects everyone equally.

🔄 Non-refundable shares

Contributions are non-refundable but can be sold or transferred to another member, subject to board approval.

📅 Annual dividend policy

The board decides each year whether to declare a dividend or retain surplus for reinvestment — protecting long-term growth.

📖 How Returns Work — A Simple Example
Total co-operative capitalK200,000
Surplus declaredK40,000
Member A — K20,000 (10%)Earns K4,000
Member B — K5,000 (2.5%)Earns K1,000
Both voted equally on the decision1 vote each ✓
⚡ Current Fund Deployment
ZESCO contract (active)K219,200
Treasury reserveK105,304
Bonds / microfinanceIn planning
Start Investing →

News & Updates

Every update reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability.

⚡ Contract Win
May 2025

St. Margaret's Secures First Major Contract with ZESCO

We are proud to announce that St. Margaret's has been awarded a K219,200 vegetation clearing contract by ZESCO — our first major infrastructure contract and a significant milestone.

Read more →
📋 Meeting Summary
May 2025

General Meeting Held — Co-operative Revived and Moving Forward

Following a period of reduced activity, St. Margaret's held a productive general meeting. 2025 fees waived, two committees formed, ZESCO contract announced. Minutes available to members.

Request minutes →
📚 Education
Q2 2025

Co-operative Principle: Democratic Member Control

Every St. Margaret's member holds exactly one vote — regardless of investment level. This is not a courtesy; it is a legal guarantee and the foundation of everything we do.

All 7 principles →
📢 Member Notice
May 2025

Membership Fees & Pledges — Action Required

2025 fees waived. 2024 arrears and 2026 fees (K500) now due. Please review your investment pledge. Our Finance Committee will be in touch — please answer your calls!

Membership details →

Know Your
Co-operative

Member education is not optional — it is one of the Seven Co-operative Principles and a legal requirement. The more you understand, the more you benefit.

📖 The 7 Co-operative Principles — Explained

🤝

1. Voluntary & Open Membership

Co-operatives are voluntary organisations. Membership is open to all people who are willing to accept the responsibilities, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

🗳️

2. Democratic Member Control

Co-operatives are controlled by their members. Every member has one vote — regardless of how much they have invested. At St. Margaret's, your voice is equal to everyone else's.

💰

3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to the capital of the co-operative. Surpluses are distributed proportionally based on each member's share capital contribution.

🏛️

4. Autonomy & Independence

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If we enter into agreements with other organisations, we maintain democratic control.

📚

5. Education, Training & Information

Co-operatives provide education and training so members can contribute effectively. This Knowledge Centre exists because of this principle — and because it is required by law.

🌐

6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively when they work together. We look to build relationships with other co-operatives across Zambia and beyond.

🌍

7. Concern for Community

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities. St. Margaret's exists not just to benefit members but to uplift the community around us.

🗓️ Quarterly Education Posts

Q2 2025

How Share Capital Works

Your share capital is the amount you invest in the co-operative beyond your membership fee. It determines your proportional return when a surplus is declared. The more you invest, the greater your share — but your vote remains equal to every other member's.

Q2 2025

What Happens When You Want to Leave?

Membership fees are non-refundable. Your share capital cannot be withdrawn — but it can be sold or transferred to another member, subject to board approval. The board must approve all transfers to protect the co-operative's integrity.

Q1 2025

Understanding the 20% Shareholding Cap

By law, no single member of a Zambian co-operative may hold more than 20% of total share capital. This rule exists to prevent any one person from dominating the co-operative and to protect all members equally.

Q1 2025

Why Annual Returns Matter

Every registered co-operative in Zambia must file annual returns with the Ministry responsible for co-operatives, and have its accounts audited yearly. These obligations exist to protect members and maintain public trust in the co-operative sector.

Documents & Meeting Records

All members may request copies of meeting minutes, financial summaries, and co-operative documents. Contact us and we will share the relevant materials.

📋
Meeting MinutesRequest copies of past general meeting minutes
📊
Financial SummariesQuarterly treasury reports for members
📜
Co-operative ConstitutionOur founding document and rules

Common Questions

Is membership open to everyone?

Yes — open to all who accept membership responsibilities, without discrimination. We welcome members locally and internationally.

Can I join from outside Zambia?

Yes. We have international members who attend meetings virtually and transfer contributions electronically.

What if I want to leave?

Membership fees are non-refundable. Share capital can be sold or transferred to another member with board approval.

How do I know my money is safe?

Funds are held in a registered bank account with multiple signatories. Accounts are audited annually. Annual returns are filed with the Ministry.

When are meetings held?

General meetings are held quarterly, virtually. You'll be notified via WhatsApp in advance. Minutes are circulated after each meeting.

How do I pay membership fees?

Payment details are provided upon confirmation of membership. We accept mobile money and bank transfers.

Join St. Margaret's
Co-operative

Ready to join, want to hire our equipment, or have a question? We'd love to hear from you.

Membership is open. The annual fee is K500. Your first step starts here — reach out and we'll walk you through everything.

"Unless the Lord builds, they that build, build in vain."

Psalm 127:1
✅ Thank you — we'll be in touch via WhatsApp or email shortly!