DODOMA, July 18, 2026 – Government has called on cooperative members across Tanzania to serve as the foremost guardians of the country’s peace, elect leaders of integrity, and actively participate in the affairs of their cooperative societies to ensure the sector continues to play a vital role in the nation’s economic and social development.
The call was made on July 6, 2026 by the Guest of Honour, David Silinde, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, who represented the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania during the climax of the International Day of Cooperatives celebrations held in Dodoma.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the celebrations, which were held under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” Silinde said cooperative members have a significant responsibility to safeguard national peace, noting that cooperatives thrive in an environment of stability, unity and collaboration.
“This year, we are reminding cooperative members that they are the primary guardians of our nation’s peace. Successful cooperatives are built in peaceful environments, and every member should serve as an ambassador for unity and stability across the country,” he said.
Silinde also warned against the misappropriation of cooperative assets, stressing that the government would not tolerate anyone found to have abused members’ property or resources.
He further urged cooperative members to participate actively in the affairs of their societies, emphasising that the success of the cooperative movement depends on committed members who fulfil their responsibilities, uphold accountability and take part in decisions affecting the development of their organisations.
Concluding his address, Silinde reaffirmed government’s commitment to implementing the “Protect Cooperatives, Choose Integrity” campaign, which seeks to strengthen good governance, accountability and integrity within cooperative societies across the country.
Meanwhile, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission [TCDC], Dr Benson Ndiege, said the cooperative sector continues to record significant progress, including the increased adoption of digital systems in the management of cooperative societies. He noted that digitalisation has enhanced transparency, efficiency and accountability within the sector.
Ndiege added that despite these achievements, the Commission would continue promoting ethical conduct and integrity in cooperative societies to ensure members’ resources are safeguarded and managed in accordance with the law, regulations and the principles of good governance.
The Chairperson of the Board of the Tanzania Federation of Cooperatives [TFC], Tito Haule, said the contribution of cooperatives to the national economy continues to grow. He revealed that agricultural produce marketed through cooperative societies has reached a value of TSh 4 trillion, demonstrating the sector’s growing strength and its increasing contribution to improving farmers’ incomes and members’ livelihoods.
This year’s celebrations brought together government officials, leaders of cooperative societies, development partners and cooperative members from across the country to review the achievements of the cooperative sector and discuss strategies for further strengthening it as a catalyst for Tanzania’s sustainable national development.
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