Summary
The challenges that continue to affect cooperative in Tanzania include corruption and embezzlement, inadequate capital, limited public awareness, low youth participation, slow adoption of digital technologies and the growing effects of climate change.
DODOMA: THE government has urged cooperative societies across Tanzania to embrace digital transformation, strengthen accountability and expand the participation of women and young people as part of efforts to build a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
Speaking during the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebrations held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC) in Dodoma under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Prof Peter Msoffe, described the cooperative movement as one of the country’s key drivers of socio-economic development.
He said cooperatives have continued to unite farmers, livestock keepers, fishers and entrepreneurs while providing members with access to credit, agricultural inputs, education, markets and other essential services.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Prof Peter Msoffe
“Today we celebrate not only a business model but also a movement that strengthens communities and promotes peace through economic empowerment,” Prof Msoffe said.
He noted that the government has introduced a series of reforms aimed at modernising the cooperative sector, including expanding the use of digital technologies and strengthening capacity building through the Cooperative University of Moshi.
Prof Msoffe also commended cooperative societies for showcasing products and services valued at approximately Sh4.95 trillion during the exhibition, saying the displays reflected the sector’s growing contribution to Tanzania’s economy.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged several challenges that continue to affect cooperatives, including corruption and embezzlement, inadequate capital, limited public awareness, low youth participation, slow adoption of digital technologies and the growing effects of climate change.
He said the government will continue implementing measures to combat fraud, promote value addition in agricultural products, empower women and youth, and strengthen financial management and digital skills through collaboration with the Cooperative University of Moshi and other stakeholders.
Prof Msoffe also called on cooperative members to actively participate in the management of their societies, elect leaders with integrity, safeguard members’ assets and report unethical practices whenever they occur.
The Director General of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), Dr Benson Ndiege, said Tanzania’s cooperative movement is built on democratic principles that allow members to participate in decision-making from primary societies to regional and national levels.
“We continue to witness more farmers, livestock keepers and fishers benefiting from cooperative financing and other services, ultimately strengthening economic stability and social harmony,” Dr Ndiege said.
He added that the democratic nature of cooperatives promotes social cohesion and contributes to lasting peace by improving people’s livelihoods through collective economic activities.
Meanwhile, Mixx by Yas Commercial Director James Sumari said digital financial services are transforming cooperative societies by improving transparency, accountability and operational efficiency.
He said the company’s partnership with TCDC is designed to equip cooperatives with modern digital financial management solutions, enabling members to manage savings, contributions and loans more efficiently.
“Mixx by Yas has already facilitated loans to more than 5,000 farmers, boosting agricultural production while strengthening trust and accountability in cooperative financial management,” Sumari said.
The celebrations culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TCDC and Mixx by Yas to accelerate the adoption of digital financial services and strengthen financial management across cooperative societies nationwide.
