Tanzania is hosting the 26th African SACCOs Congress, which runs from October 11 to 16, 2026, bringing together more than 1,200 participants from about 28 countries. The Savings and Credit Cooperative Union League of Tanzania (SCCULT) is organising the event in Dar es Salaam, positioning the country as a destination for international business gatherings and tourism.
Hassani Mnyone, chief executive of SCCULT, said the congress was generating economic benefits beyond the cooperative sector itself. The presence of delegates from across Africa and beyond was creating opportunities for local businesses in hospitality, transport, accommodation and food services, he told journalists on October 14, 2026.
The congress provides stakeholders with a platform to assess the progress of savings and credit cooperatives across the continent and develop strategies for future growth. Discussions are helping stakeholders evaluate the sector's current position, identify challenges and determine practical measures to strengthen performance and sustainability.
Tanzania's SACCOS sector has expanded significantly in recent years. According to Mr Mnyone, SACCOS recorded total assets of approximately 1.6 trillion shillings in 2025 with a membership of about two million people. The sector continues to expand access to financial services, particularly through lending to members and supporting economic activities at community level.