Samia pledges stronger coops

IRINGA: CCM presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, yesterday pledged to continue strengthening cooperative unions to ensure farmers fully benefit from their efforts and bring about a meaningful transformation in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Samora Stadium in Iringa Municipality, Dr Samia said that robust cooperative unions are critical to empowering farmers, improving production, raising their livelihoods and contributing to national economic growth.

She said over the past four years her government has made significant achievements in improving the agriculture sector, including providing subsidised fertilisers and inputs, establishing a cooperative bank and enhancing infrastructure that supports the movement of people, goods and crops.

“Our focus in the next five years, if elected, will be to further strengthen cooperative unions and continue supporting farmers across the country,” Dr Samia said.

She explained that strong cooperatives would enable farmers to access reliable markets for their produce, protect them from exploitation and provide them with access to affordable loans and essential agricultural inputs.

This, she noted, would enable them to practice farming more profitably.

“We are committed to investing in cooperatives, because it is through vibrant, transparent cooperatives that farmers will realise better returns on their hard work,” Dr Samia added.

The incumbent president also insisted on the need for strong leadership within cooperatives, stressing that they must be run by competent individuals capable of leveraging technology to tackle challenges and share vital information with farmers and the public.

ALSO READ: Samia pledges to upgrade the Tanzam road to a four-lane highway

“Transparency is crucial. With the use of information technology, cooperative leaders and members will be able to easily access market information and financial reports,” she said.

“We want to build strong cooperatives led by knowledgeable leaders who embrace technology and ensure accountability.”

Appealing directly to voters, Dr Samia added, “I am asking for your vote so that we can implement these plans for the benefit of all.”

Dr Samia reiterated her commitment to building inclusive development based on an inclusive economy, as outlined in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (TDV 2050).

She pointed out that Tanzania’s agricultural sector has made impressive strides over the past few years.

With subsidised fertilisers and other inputs in the last farming season, the country became the second-largest maize producer in Africa, producing 10 million tonnes.

In Iringa, coffee production has also surged, growing from 109 tonnes in 2020 to 323 tonnes in 2025.

Dr Samia also promised to expand industrialisation through the industrial clusters programme, highlighting progress in Iringa, where the number of industries has increased from 24 to 40 over the past four years.

She also outlined several development projects in the region, including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, health centres and dispensaries.

She highlighted nine irrigation schemes worth 104.4bn/- and the Mtera irrigation project worth 560m/-, both of which have significantly boosted agricultural activities.

On energy, Dr Samia pledged to continue expanding electricity generation capacity, which has increased from 1,600MW in 2020 to 4,000MW today, with the goal of reaching 8,000MW.

She also emphasised her government’s focus on investing in renewable energy sources like wind and geothermal power.

President Samia also announced the completion of the renovation of Iringa Airport, which now hosts several airlines offering flights to and from the region.

Speaking at a separate rally in Kalenga, Iringa, Dr Samia reiterated her administration’s dedication to improving the lives of Tanzanians.

If re-elected in the upcoming October polls, she pledged that her priority would be creating an enabling environment for citizens to enjoy better living standards.

Dr Samia told the gathering that Tanzanians across the country have praised her government for its strong performance in addressing challenges and implementing development projects.

“In every place I have visited during these campaigns, people have expressed their satisfaction with our government’s efforts to address their challenges, focusing on grassroots issues,” she said.

She stressed that her administration is dedicated to building the capacity of Tanzanians, which she considers the foundation for the future nation people aspire to see.

“There are those who say this government does not stand for the poor. My answer is simple: I lead all Tanzanians and together, we are building the nation we want. We have extended electricity to villages, delivered clean water to rural communities, established modern health centres, built diagnostic facilities and constructed quality schools. This is what it truly means to care for the ordinary citizen,” she said.

Dr Samia pledged to continue implementing projects designed to uplift the lives of citizens and accelerate national development.

She stressed her vision of building an inclusive economy, where every Tanzanian has a stake.

Dr Samia also thanked Chief Adam Abdul Sapi Mkwawa II for his blessings, acknowledging the Hehe people’s spirit of resilience and struggle.

She expressed confidence that these blessings would strengthen her resolve to build a Tanzania grounded in inclusive economic growth.

She pledged to build tarmac roads in Kalenga and Ismani, construct dams for water supply and irrigation and ensure the continuation of development projects across the country.

The ruling party presidential candidate further promised sustained investments in infrastructure to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods, underscoring her vision of a modern, connected Tanzania.