Coop Bank opens its seventh branch, targets further growth in rural areas
Coop Bank has opened its seventh branch in Bukoba, Tanzania, aiming to increase financial inclusion for rural farmers, cooperatives, and small businesses. The bank has seen significant growth in assets and lending, with a focus on the agricultural value chain.
Why it matters
Expanding banking services to rural and cooperative sectors is a key strategy for economic development and financial empowerment in Tanzania.
Bukoba. Coop Bank has expanded its national footprint to seven branches as the lender accelerates its push to bring banking services closer to farmers, cooperatives, women, youth and small businesses.
The latest branch, opened in Bukoba on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, is the bank’s first in the Lake Zone and is expected to strengthen access to finance for Kagera’s agriculture, livestock, fisheries and trading communities.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Bashiru Kakurwa, who launched the branch, praised the bank’s rapid growth and urged it to develop affordable financial products tailored to the needs of people working across the agricultural value chain.
He said the bank should pay particular attention to farmers, livestock keepers, fishermen, traders, women and young people, whose access to affordable financing remains critical to expanding their businesses.
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