Tanzania will host the 2026 SACCA Congress from October 11 to 16 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, bringing together over 1,000 participants from more than 40 countries. The congress, to be officially opened by Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, aims to promote Tanzania's cooperative sector and attract investment. Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo stated that the event will provide a platform for Tanzania to strengthen international cooperation and exchange experience on managing and governing financial cooperatives.
The cooperative sector in Tanzania plays a significant role in the country's economy, with SACCOS circulating over 2 trillion Tanzanian shillings. About 1.9 million Tanzanians currently benefit from SACCOS, demonstrating their importance in expanding financial inclusion. Minister Chongolo emphasized that people may perceive SACCOS as small institutions, but they have a substantial impact on the country's economy.
The SACCA Congress 2026 will focus on building trust, driving transformation, and shaping the future of financial cooperatives in Africa. The event will provide a platform for capacity building, exchanging experiences, promoting investments, and creating economic opportunities. Minister Chongolo invited participants to attend the congress, stating that it will offer an opportunity to learn, build partnerships, and contribute to shared development.
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is working with stakeholders to ensure the congress produces lasting benefits for the cooperative sector, citizens, and the national economy. Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Benson Ndiege stated that the congress will enable Tanzania to showcase its achievements and strengthen its position in the global cooperative movement.
The congress will feature training sessions and presentations on cooperative management, allowing Tanzanian SACCOS to learn best practices from other countries. Dr. Ndiege added that stronger international partnerships will help Tanzania's SACCOS adopt better practices and create opportunities for the country's cooperative sector to gain greater global recognition.
Minister Chongolo also highlighted that the event will promote Tanzania's tourism attractions, with international participants expected to visit historical sites and experience the country's culture. The congress will go beyond discussions on cooperatives, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage and contribute to the growth of the sector.
The 2026 SACCA Congress is expected to have a lasting impact on Tanzania's cooperative sector, with the government and stakeholders working together to ensure its success. The event will provide a unique opportunity for Tanzania to showcase its achievements and strengthen its position in the global cooperative movement.
Key points
- Tanzania will use the 2026 SACCA Congress to showcase its cooperative sector and attract investment to strengthen SACCOS.
- The congress aims to promote trust, innovation, and transformation in Africa's financial cooperative sector.
- The event will provide a platform for capacity building, exchanging experiences, and promoting investments in the cooperative sector.
