World Cooperative Day celebrations held in Pemba have called for renewed commitment among cooperative members, with leaders emphasizing that the sector remains central in driving inclusive economic growth and improving livelihoods in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Speaking on behalf of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar at Tibirinzi children’s recreation ground, the Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office, Hamza Hassan Juma, commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector.
He said the government under President Samia has opened new economic opportunities for cooperatives, enabling citizens to actively participate in economic activities and benefit from various development initiatives.
He added that this progress is creating hope among farmers, fishermen, traders and other groups across the country.
Hamza said the achievements in the cooperative sector demonstrate a strong commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable economy that benefits all citizens.
He noted that cooperatives remain an important pillar in empowering communities and expanding grassroots economic participation.
He also praised Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi for strengthening the cooperative sector in the Isles, saying his leadership has turned it into a key driver of development.
He said both the Union and Zanzibar governments continue to improve policies and systems that allow cooperatives to grow and participate effectively in economic activities.
Hamza stressed that cooperatives are not only economic organizations but also platforms that bring citizens together, promote accountability and support collective development.
He called for stronger cooperation and responsible leadership within cooperatives to ensure members achieve their economic goals.
He said the sector plays a major role in agriculture, fisheries, trade, financial services and youth empowerment, making it a key foundation for improving livelihoods.
He urged cooperative leaders to use this year’s celebrations as a moment to renew commitment and strengthen business-oriented approaches that will make their societies more sustainable and competitive.
He also encouraged continued training and education for members to improve productivity and performance.
For her part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Employment and Empowerment, Salama Mbarouk Khatib, thanked stakeholders for their support in making the celebrations successful.
She said Zanzibar’s cooperative sector is increasingly adopting business models and digital technology, which are improving transparency, accountability and competitiveness in both local and international markets.
She noted that through the CCM Manifesto 2025–2030 and Vision 2050, the government is focused on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the cooperative economy.
She further said that 110 entrepreneurs have been supported and linked into 50 companies, enabling them to access wider markets inside and outside the country.
Meanwhile, the Director of Compliance at Mixx Tanzania, Abdallah Nguba, said the celebrations offer an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of cooperatives in boosting economic growth.
He said Mixx Tanzania is working with government institutions and partners to improve access to financial services through mobile-based digital solutions.
He added that through collaboration with the Zanzibar Cooperative Development Department, the Mixx Vikoba platform is helping cooperatives to save, contribute, buy shares and access loans digitally, while improving transparency and security.
The Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) is also continuing to provide soft loans under the Inuka scheme with favorable terms between November 2025 and June 2026, targeting cooperative groups.
Reading the official statement, the Secretary of the Zanzibar Cooperative Union, Suleima Haji Ali, said the day is observed annually to recognize the role of cooperatives in reducing poverty, creating jobs and strengthening social unity.
He said over the past year, cooperatives have implemented key initiatives including the establishment of the Zanzibar Women Cooperative Council, which has boosted women’s participation in economic activities.
He also highlighted progress in the blue economy, where cooperatives are being encouraged to invest in fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing and marine tourism.
He added that the Zanzibar Small-Scale Fishers Cooperative Union (ZSCCU), which brings together 57 groups with about 500 members, has improved coordination and increased incomes in coastal communities.
He said youth empowerment has also been prioritized, with more than 44 youth cooperatives formed by vocational graduates receiving startup capital through government-supported loans.
Despite these achievements, he noted challenges such as limited access to capital, weak market access and low capacity among some members.
He called for continued government support in financing, training, market access and legal reforms to strengthen the sector.
The cooperative movement in Zanzibar reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government in implementing Vision 2050 and building an inclusive economy that reduces poverty and improves citizens’ incomes.
