Cooperative Together Building the Economy
Registered under Co-operative Societies Act No. 14 of 1982 (Reg. No. AFF-ARS-ARS-CC-2023-51) — uniting 43 Primary Cooperative Societies across Arusha and Kiteto. We collect and market Coffee, Sunflower, Honey, Pigeon Peas, Maize, and Livestock for our members.
What ACU Does for Farmers
Arusha Co-operative Union Limited delivers four core services that empower smallholder farmers and livestock keepers across Arusha and Kiteto — from education and inputs to market access and on-farm support.
Farmer Education
We provide education to farmers on good agricultural practices, cooperative governance, financial literacy, and modern farming techniques — through training sessions, demo plots, and extension services across AMCOS primary societies.
Market Access
We find markets for farmers' produce by aggregating crops and trading through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS), TCB coffee auctions, and direct buyer partnerships — ensuring transparent, competitive pricing.
Agricultural Inputs
We provide agricultural inputs — including RUZUKU fertilizer through the TFC program, quality seeds, coffee seedlings from our own nursery, and agro-chemicals — at subsidized rates to AMCOS members every planting season.
Agriculture Services & Help
We provide agriculture services and hands-on help to farmers — extension advisory, soil testing, crop protection guidance, planting supervision, harvest handling, and livestock veterinary support across Arusha Region and Kiteto District.
What We Collect & Sell
ACU is involved in the collection of mixed crops from its members. Currently, ACU is engaged in the collection of coffee, sunflower, honey, pigeon peas, maize, and livestock — looking for productive markets in the country and abroad.
Tanzanian Arabica Coffee
ACU's primary and foundational cash crop — collected from smallholder farmers across Arusha and Kiteto. ACU coordinates collection, processing, grading, and marketing in compliance with Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) quality standards. In 2021/2022, ACU collected over 181,000 kg of parchment and clean coffee, paying farmers over TZS 633 million.
Our Branded Products
Our Stakeholders
ACU Ltd operates through a network of financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and development partners — ensuring cooperative governance, quality standards, and market access.
CRDB Bank
Financial Partner
One of ACU's key banking partners providing financial services and loan facilities to support cooperative operations and farmer payments.
BOA Bank
Financial Partner
Bank of Africa provides banking services and financial support for ACU's agricultural marketing and cooperative development activities.
COOP Bank
Financial Partner — Headquarters Dodoma
COOP Bank provides specialized banking services tailored for cooperative societies and their members. Headquartered in Dodoma, it supports ACU's financial operations and farmer payment services.
Azania Bank
Financial Partner
Azania Bank supports ACU with financial services for crop collection, processing, and marketing operations.
TCDC
Cooperative Governance
The Tanzania Co-operative Development Commission provides the overarching legal, supervisory, and promotional framework ensuring ACU maintains good governance and financial transparency.
Agriterra
Strategic Partner (Netherlands)
Agriterra (Netherlands) provides training in cooperative governance, financial management, and capacity-building — strengthening ACU's institutional resilience.
MoCU
Academic Partner
Moshi Cooperative University collaborates with ACU on research, training, and development of cooperative education programs for members and staff.
TCB
Coffee Industry Regulator
The TCB regulates ACU's coffee processing, grading, licensing, and trade operations — ensuring compliance with industry quality standards.
TCCCO
Coffee Processing Partner
The Tanganyika Coffee Curing Company Limited works with ACU on coffee curing, processing, and preparation for local and export markets.