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The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cooperatives and the Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) to enable citizens with limited capital to pool resources and invest in various economic activities.
This support aims to ensure they gain ownership of production tools and business ventures, fostering economic empowerment.
Speaking during a strategic meeting involving TCDC, the Tanzania Federation of Cooperatives (TFC), and the Savings and Credit Cooperative Union League of Tanzania (SCCULT 1992) Ltd., Dr. Stephen Nindi, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture (Irrigation and Cooperatives), emphasized the importance of cooperatives in uplifting small-scale producers, farmers, women, and youth.
“Cooperatives play a critical role in economically empowering low-income individuals who might otherwise struggle to compete in the market against private enterprises,” Dr. Nindi stated during the session held in Dodoma.
Dr. Nindi urged cooperative stakeholders to continue empowering citizens to invest collectively in economic activities and take ownership of production assets and businesses. He highlighted the role of cooperatives in helping citizens access key economic sectors such as manufacturing and banking.
“Encourage citizens to engage in the nation’s core economic activities, such as industries and financial institutions, while fostering good governance, democracy, and unity among members,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Benson Ndiege, the Registrar and Executive Secretary of TCDC, shared insights into the objectives of the meeting. He explained that the gathering aimed to unite the boards of TFC and SCCULT to evaluate their operational performance following a series of audits and follow-ups conducted over the years.
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Dr. Ndiege expressed concern over the underperformance of these institutions, noting that for over five consecutive years, their activities have shown signs of stagnation. “This lack of progress has caused members and stakeholders to lose confidence in the sustainability of these institutions,” he observed.
As the meeting sought solutions to operational inefficiencies, the government reiterated its resolve to work with cooperatives to unlock their potential in driving economic growth. Dr. Nindi called for reforms to strengthen cooperative governance and ensure they deliver tangible benefits to their members.
“Cooperatives are a vital vehicle for economic transformation, especially for marginalized groups. It is essential that we address these challenges to restore trust and ensure they continue to play a meaningful role in our economy,” he concluded.
The meeting marked another step in the government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive economic participation through cooperatives, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency to achieve sustainable development.
