- Kenya and Tanzania are urged to deepen Sacco cooperation to expand financial inclusion across East Africa.
- Patrick Kilemi highlights digital transformation, sound governance and partnerships as priorities for cooperative growth.
- The 2026 SACCA Congress brings together African cooperative leaders to discuss the future of financial cooperatives.
Kenya and Tanzania have been urged to deepen cooperation in the savings and credit cooperative sector. The aim is to expand financial inclusion, empower businesses and accelerate economic growth across East Africa.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi made the call during the 2026 SACCA Congress in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. There, he joined Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and other cooperative sector leaders to discuss the future of financial cooperatives.
Kilemi said stronger partnerships between the two countries could unlock new opportunities for their cooperative movements. This, he noted, would enable Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos) to play a greater role in economic empowerment and sustainable development.
He noted that Saccos remain important channels for mobilising savings, providing affordable credit and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses depend on accessible financing to grow.
The PS emphasised the need to strengthen the sector through innovation, digital transformation, sound governance and strategic partnerships. This, he said, would ensure cooperatives remain resilient and sustainable.
The congress, held under the theme “Building Trust, Driving Transformation: The Future of Financial Cooperatives in Africa,” brings together cooperative leaders, policymakers, regulators and industry experts. They exchange ideas and explore solutions to challenges facing the sector.
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Organised by the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), the gathering provides a platform for participants to share experiences, build professional networks and develop partnerships. These are aimed at strengthening financial cooperatives across the continent.
The discussions come as Saccos continue to play a significant role in expanding access to financial services. This is particularly true for individuals and businesses seeking alternatives to conventional banking.
However, the sector’s long term sustainability depends on its ability to maintain members’ trust. It must also improve accountability, embrace emerging technologies and strengthen institutional management.
Closer collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania could create opportunities for knowledge exchange. It could also encourage the adoption of effective practices to improve service delivery and protect members’ interests.
The congress is scheduled to run from October 12 to 16, 2026, in Dar es Salaam. It brings together stakeholders from Africa and beyond to shape the future of cooperative finance.
Kilemi’s participation underscores the importance of regional partnerships in strengthening cooperative institutions and advancing inclusive economic growth across East Africa.
By Lizzy Aluga
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