Tanzania is strengthening its Ministry of Agriculture and monitoring the actions of Cooperative Society leaders to ensure they adhere to ethical standards, transparency, accountability, and good governance, which will attract more members and investors.
"Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Cooperative Development Commission, should expedite and fully manage the implementation of all approved strategies, especially in areas like agricultural technology, access to inputs, and market opportunities for crops to enhance development. " Dr . Majaliwa said .
He made these remarks today (Sunday, April 27, 2025) during the launch of a discussion on Access to 'Development Finance' for Cooperatives at the Jakaya Kikwete Conference Center in Dodoma.
The Prime Minister also unveiled the Annual Agricultural Report for the years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
He added that financial institutions, including banks and development funds, should continue to work closely with cooperative societies to create friendly systems for farmers and small traders to access loans and capital, thereby boosting their economy.
Dr. Majaliwa urged farmers and the general public to ensure they join registered cooperative societies to benefit from various opportunities provided by the government and development partners.
“All development partners, continue to collaborate with the government in providing the necessary resources, expertise, and innovation to advance this vital sector. The Ministry should also ensure that the reports launched are prepared in Swahili to enable more citizens to benefit from them.”
Prime Minister noted that the Cooperative Sector in the country is rapidly improving, serving as a crucial pillar for economic and social development, especially in various areas. “So far, Tanzania boasts over 7,000 registered cooperative societies with a total membership of more than eight million. These societies encompass various economic sectors such as agriculture, fishing, mining, trade, and financial services.”
They aim to equip Cooperative Officers with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively, improve access to inputs for farmers via cooperatives, and enhance financial services by establishing the Cooperative Bank (COOP Bank).
During the official launch of the Large Farms project, jointly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Tanzania, the Prime Minister stated that this project is part of the implementation of the BBT Program. The project, which I launched today, will be executed over five years from 2025 to 2030, with a total cost of 241.27 million US dollars.
The AFDB will contribute 129.71 million dollars, which is 53.76% of the total cost, while the Government of Tanzania will cover 46.24% of the project needs to complete it.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, emphasized that cooperatives are the only way to empower members, and the cooperative bank will simplify payments for farmers. The Cooperative Bank has a capital of over 50 billion shillings and will have more than 50 agents across the country.
Also, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Bank, Professor Gervas Machimu, said that the bank will be a pillar for cooperative development in both urban and rural areas, restoring the dignity of cooperatives and boosting the economy of the people.
Previously, the Chairman of the Commission for the Cooperative Societies, Abdulmajid Nsekela, mentioned that the Cooperative Bank will operate more modernly and will be competitive, presenting a productive image of cooperatives.
The government has stated that cooperatives are a crucial pillar in uplifting the economy of youth and citizens in general, aiming to enhance the economy of the community and access to employment opportunities in the country.