Our Reporter
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has strengthened its push toward digital transformation in the cooperative sector following the signing of a new partnership agreement between Mixx by Yas and the Zanzibar Cooperative Development Department, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and financial inclusion among cooperative societies.
The agreement, signed during the World Cooperative Day celebrations held in Pemba, marks a significant step in integrating digital financial solutions into Zanzibar’s cooperative system, which serves thousands of members engaged in agriculture, fisheries, livestock keeping and small-scale entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office responsible for Policy, Coordination and House of Representatives Affairs, Hamza Hassan Juma, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating digital reforms across key economic sectors.
He said the adoption of digital systems in cooperatives would enhance accountability, reduce inefficiencies and improve service delivery to citizens who rely on these institutions for savings, credit and investment opportunities.
“Digital transformation in the cooperative sector will strengthen transparency, improve accountability and ensure citizens access better financial services. Collaboration between the public and private sectors remains critical in building an inclusive and modern economy,” he said.
Under the agreement, cooperative members across Zanzibar are expected to benefit from improved access to digital financial services, enabling them to manage savings, contributions, payments and shareholding activities through mobile-based platforms.
The initiative is also expected to enhance the security of financial transactions, reduce reliance on cash-based systems and promote greater trust among cooperative members through improved record-keeping and real-time financial tracking.
On behalf of Mixx, Compliance Director Abdallah Nguba said the partnership will introduce enhanced digital solutions designed to modernise the operations of cooperatives and improve service delivery to members.
He said the platform, including Mixx Kikoba, will allow users to perform a wide range of financial activities directly from their mobile phones, including saving, contributing to group funds, making payments, purchasing shares, receiving dividends and accessing loans.
“This agreement lays a strong foundation for transforming how cooperatives manage financial operations. Through digital platforms such as Mixx Kikoba, members will be able to carry out essential financial services conveniently and securely using their mobile phones,” said Nguba.
He added that cooperatives remain a critical pillar of Zanzibar’s economy as they connect key productive groups such as farmers, fishermen, pastoralists and entrepreneurs, noting that digital systems will improve data accuracy and strengthen decision-making processes for both institutions and government planners.
According to officials, the partnership will also support the formalisation of informal groups, expand financial inclusion and reduce operational challenges associated with manual systems that have traditionally slowed service delivery in the cooperative sector.
The initiative aligns with Zanzibar’s broader economic transformation agenda, which prioritises the use of digital technology to improve public service delivery, expand access to financial services and promote sustainable economic growth.
It is also expected to contribute to national efforts aimed at deepening financial inclusion and supporting the development of a modern digital economy that enables citizens to participate more effectively in economic activities across the islands and the wider Tanzanian economy.
