Millions of farmers across Tanzania are set to benefit from improved access to digital financial services after Mixx by Yas and the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) renewed their strategic partnership aimed at modernising financial operations in cooperative societies.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of cooperative societies by introducing digital solutions that will enable farmers to access financial services more easily through mobile technology.
Speaking during the partnership renewal ceremony in Dodoma, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Crop Development and Food Security, Prof. Peter Msoffe, said cooperatives remain among the most important drivers of Tanzania’s economy due to their role in supporting farmers and facilitating large-scale financial transactions.
He said cooperative societies currently handle transactions estimated between Sh5 trillion and Sh7 trillion annually, highlighting their importance in connecting farmers with markets, financial services and economic opportunities.
“Cooperative societies facilitate transactions worth between Sh5 trillion and Sh7 trillion, making them one of the country’s most important economic institutions,” Prof. Msoffe said.
The renewed partnership will allow cooperative societies to use digital platforms to manage member contributions, process payments, purchase shares, distribute dividends and support loan applications through mobile phones.
Mixx Commercial Director James Sumari said the initiative aims to provide cooperatives with reliable digital tools that will improve financial management and reduce dependence on cash-based transactions and manual record keeping.
“Our goal is to enable cooperative societies to manage their finances with greater transparency while providing members with easier access to financial services. Ultimately, this will enhance productivity and contribute to improving livelihoods and economic growth,” Mr Sumari said.
Through the Mixx Kikoba platform, cooperative members will be able to participate in financial activities more conveniently, allowing leaders to improve record management and enhance accountability.
Mr Sumari said Mixx has continued supporting Tanzania’s agricultural sector through its Mixx Kilimo platform, which has already reached more than 300,000 farmers and facilitated financial transactions worth over Sh700 billion across the agricultural value chain in the past six years.
The Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Chief Executive Officer of TCDC, Dr Benson Ndiege, said embracing digital technology is critical in improving governance and strengthening accountability within cooperative societies.
Dr Ndiege said the government is encouraging technology adoption as part of broader efforts to improve efficiency and expand access to financial services among cooperative members.
“The Government continues to promote the adoption of technology to improve transparency and efficiency in cooperative societies. This partnership will also strengthen the capacity of cooperative leaders and members to access better financial services,” he said.
The partnership comes at a time when Tanzania is accelerating efforts to promote financial inclusion, digital transformation and the use of technology to improve economic opportunities for citizens.
Analysts say increased use of digital financial platforms among cooperatives could help farmers overcome challenges associated with limited access to formal banking services, while improving financial records and strengthening trust among members.
With agriculture remaining a major source of employment and income for millions of Tanzanians, the expansion of digital financial services is expected to play a key role in supporting productivity, value addition and the growth of an inclusive digital economy.
