Samia urges Coop Bank to provide affordable loans to boost agricultural value chains
DODOMA, August 12, 2025 — The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called on the Co-operative Bank of Tanzania [Coop Bank] to provide low-interest loans to cooperative members in order to strengthen value chains in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
She noted that the Bank, which is 51 percent owned by cooperatives, was launched this year with an initial capital of Tsh 55 billion and currently operates four branches in the regions of Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, Mtwara, and Tabora. More than 50 major cooperative societies have also been appointed as bank agents to enhance access to credit for cooperative organisations.
Samia made the remarks on August 8, 2025, while officiating the closing ceremony of the Nanenane International Agricultural Exhibition held at the Dr John Malecela Grounds in Dodoma.
In addition, Samia urged the Bank officials to act with integrity and ensure that farmers, especially those within cooperative societies, are supported in accessing credit.
“In April this year, I led the launch of Coop Bank, which is 51 percent owned by cooperatives and began operations with a capital of Tsh 55 billion. This marks a major step in improving access to capital for cooperative societies. I call on the staff of this bank to work with honesty and ensure that cooperative members can access affordable loans to develop value chains in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries,” said Samia.
Earlier in the day, Samia inaugurated the National Agriculture Laboratory located at the headquarters of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute [TARI]. The facility will support research across the entire value chain, including the analysis of plants, soil, pests, and aflatoxins.
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