Cooperativism in Sergipe records growth of 181% in cooperative members since 2019

Present in different segments, cooperativism contributes to boosting Sergipe’s economy. In 2025, the Health sector concentrated the largest economic movement, with R$862.43 million in income and R$376.68 million in assets. However, the Credit branch was the largest in terms of number of members, totaling 19,244.

The Cooperative Development and Sustainability coordinator at the Sicredi Serigy SE/BA credit cooperative, Lyslene Andrade, says that the growth of the Credit branch is due to the link between cooperatives and the population. “This growth is the result of the trust that people began to place in the cooperative model and the ability of credit cooperatives to be increasingly closer to communities, helping to make dreams come true, boosting small businesses and supporting rural producers”, he highlights.

In addition to economic results, the development of cooperative members is a concern for the Sergipe State Cooperative Organization System (Ocese). In 2025, around 850 members, employees and managers participated in actions promoted by the System, involving learning programs, training, exchanges, leadership meetings and professional qualification. Through the CapacitaCoop teaching platform, 1,994 completed participations in training actions were recorded.

For Lyslene Andrade, cooperativism is a way to promote personal development and expand opportunities. "Cooperativism opens doors, strengthens leadership and encourages each person to discover their potential. I feel privileged to live this experience and, above all, to be able to inspire other women to occupy leadership spaces", she states.

Throughout 2025, cooperatives also reaffirmed their commitment to society. Proof of this is the care taken in serving the population. Truck driver José Anselmo da Paz discovered prostate cancer in December and soon began treatment at the Unimed Sergipe cooperative. He says that the care of professionals has made all the difference. "I can only thank God and the Unimed members. They are like a community and have always served me very well. I thank everyone for their care", he says.

The management and governance of cooperatives in Sergipe generated national recognition. In 2025, for the first time, two cooperatives from Sergipe were awarded at SomosCoop Excellence in Management, one of the most important awards in Brazilian cooperatives. Núcleo Saúde achieved the Primeiros Passos Silver seal, while Sicredi Serigy SE/BA received the Primeiros Passos Bronze seal.

Lyslene Andrade highlights what the achievement represents for the cooperative and for cooperatives in Sergipe. "For Sicredi Serigy SE/BA, it is the recognition of a trajectory built with the involvement of associates, managers, advisors and employees. And, for cooperatives in Sergipe, it is a message that our cooperatives are evolving, seeking excellence and strengthening a business model that is increasingly professional, competitive and connected to the needs of society", he highlights.