The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), Dr. Benson Ndiege has directed cooperative unions and large SACCOS in the country to hire and effectively utilize internal auditors to enhance efficiency.

Launching the TCDC Audit Committee yesterday in Dodoma, Dr. Ndiege emphasized that these auditors are key personnel required to identify challenges within cooperatives and provide recommendations on how to address them to ensure strong management of the sector.

The audit of cooperative unions in Tanzania plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of cooperative societies, which are a key part of the country's socio-economic structure.

He further noted that the government has placed significant importance on the cooperative sector, highlighting that the Commission is an essential body aimed at empowering Tanzanians to unite. 

Currently, approximately eight million people in the country are involved in cooperative societies.

“The government is committed to strengthening cooperatives for the broader interests of the nation. This Commission is a vital institution viewed with special focus for the country’s greater good. As of now, there are around 7,000 cooperative societies, of which 6,500 are registered in the electronic system. Later, we will release statistics on any inactive societies,” he stated.

Dr. Ndiege stressed the need for the Commission, which oversees the cooperative sector, to remain strong. 

He noted that the appointed committee members were selected based on their qualifications and ability to support the management of TCDC effectively.

“I direct the management to ensure this committee receives full cooperation to perform its duties effectively. In many organizations, you’ll hear that the Internal Auditor is someone to be cautious of because they look for gaps and recommend corrections.

“If you encounter individuals who deviate, fail to follow procedures, and resist correction, it is inevitable that their office will face challenges. Members of the Audit Committee must avoid superficial work; instead, stand firm and perform your duties with professionalism,” he said.

Earlier, the committee’s outgoing chairperson, CPA Evance Assenga, stated that their role had been to provide recommendations and ensure proper use of resources, transparency, and accountability within the Commission to enhance the sector's efficiency.

He also advised the new committee to carefully utilize internal audit reports, as they will be instrumental in their oversight work.

The new committee chairperson, CPA Elihuruma Lema, pledged to execute the role with efficiency and professionalism to boost the cooperative sector, which involves a significant portion of the population contributing to the national economy.