Tanzania to host Africa’s biggest SACCO congress

DODOMA: TANZANIA will host Africa’s largest gathering of savings and credit cooperative leaders in October this year, with thousands of delegates expected to converge in Dar es Salaam for the 26th Savings and Credit Cooperative Associations of Africa (SACCA) Congress.

The continental event, organised by the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) in collaboration with the Savings and Credit Cooperative Union League of Tanzania (SCCULT), will be held from October 12 to 16.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde officially launched digital registration for participants while closing the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in Dodoma on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benson Ndiege, described the opportunity to host the congress as a major recognition of Tanzania’s growing influence in Africa’s cooperative movement.

“It is a great honour for Tanzania and a clear indication that our savings and credit cooperative sector is performing well and is recognised across Africa and beyond,” Dr Ndiege said.

He urged cooperative members, particularly those involved in Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS), to participate in the congress to exchange experiences, learn from successful cooperative models across the continent and showcase Tanzania’s achievements.

“Our cooperatives have made significant progress. This congress will provide an opportunity not only to learn from others but also to demonstrate the success we have achieved as a country,” he said.

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The SACCA Congress is expected to bring together thousands of delegates, including cooperative leaders, financial regulators, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

Discussions will focus on expanding financial inclusion, strengthening governance in cooperative financial institutions, promoting digital financial services and exploring innovative strategies to improve access to affordable financial services through cooperative societies.

The congress is also expected to strengthen regional cooperation and position Tanzania as a key player in advancing Africa’s cooperative financial sector.