More than 120 members of the ELCT Northern Diocese Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS) in Arusha have been equipped with essential investment knowledge through a specialized training session organized by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Northern Zone.
The session, held at New Safari Hotel, was led by TIC Northern Zone Manager, Ms. Veronica Mrema, who emphasized the importance of empowering local cooperatives as a catalyst for national development.
“Our mission is to ensure that Tanzanians, especially at the grassroots level, are well-informed about investment opportunities, processes, and benefits,” said Ms. Mrema. “This initiative directly supports Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which aims to create a competitive and inclusive economy.”
The training covered key areas such as investment procedures, government incentives for local investors, and the significance of formalizing small and medium enterprises.
Participants were encouraged to explore new opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.
Alongside TIC, other key government institutions contributed to the training, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), and the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade).
A PCCB representative urged participants to prioritize accountability and transparency in all cooperative activities.
“Corruption undermines development. We encourage cooperative members to be vigilant and uphold ethical standards in managing resources,” he stated.
TCDC, which oversaw the training, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperative governance and financial sustainability.
Meanwhile, TanTrade representatives introduced their role in market development, product promotion, and trade facilitation.
“We support local producers by connecting them to both domestic and international markets,” a TanTrade official explained. “Our goal is to ensure Tanzanian products are competitive on the global stage.”
Participants praised the training as timely and impactful. “This has broadened our understanding of investment and given us confidence to scale our businesses,” said John Michael, a long-time member of ELCT SACCOS.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to build a strong, inclusive economy by bridging the knowledge gap between national policies and local entrepreneurs.
