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On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU), in collaboration with the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Law Committee and Ius Cooperativum (International Association of Co-operative Law Scholars), is hosting the 5th International Conference on Co-operative Law, marking the first time the conference is being held in Africa.

Speaking during the opening ceremony on 11 February 2026, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alfred Sife, expressed the University’s honour in hosting the prestigious international conference. He described the event as a significant platform for in-depth discussions on co-operative law within the context of sustainable development.

Prof. Sife noted that MoCU, which has now accumulated over 60 years of service, has a long-standing history of providing education in co-operative studies and social sciences. He emphasized that the University has built extensive experience in the sector and has made substantial contributions to the development of the co-operative movement in Tanzania and across Africa.

He further explained that the establishment of the Department of Law was a deliberate decision, recognizing that efforts to strengthen the co-operative sector cannot succeed without strong legal and policy frameworks.

“One cannot discuss co-operative matters without addressing the legal and policy environment. That is why the Department of Law was established specifically to support our research and academic programmes, and through it, we have been able to organise this conference,” Prof. Sife stated.

Although the Department of Law was formally established in 2015, the teaching of law at MoCU dates back many years as part of other academic programmes. The formalization of the Department reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring that legal education contributes meaningfully to strengthening co-operatives and fostering socio-economic transformation.

Prof. Sife also highlighted that the conference theme aligns closely with the University’s core mandate and strategic objectives. Over the years, MoCU has supported various countries in developing and reviewing co-operative laws and policies, making the University an appropriate host for the conference.

The 5th International Conference on Co-operative Law has brought together academics, policymakers, and decision-makers from different countries worldwide to collectively examine the relationship between co-operative law and sustainable development.

Over the course of two days, participants will engage in discussions and propose recommendations aimed at strengthening legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for co-operative societies to operate in line with co-operative principles and contribute to sustainable economic and social development.