DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has unveiled strategies to ensure that all eligible citizens engaged in micro-businesses can access affordable loans by 2050, with at least 100,000 entrepreneurs already registered under the programme.
The loan scheme is being implemented under the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the Minister for the docket, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, urged citizens aged 18 years and above to be proactive in applying for the affordable loans.
She said the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan aims to ensure that by 2050, all eligible citizens running small businesses with annual turnovers of below 4m/- can access affordable financing, as part of broader efforts to create jobs and boost productivity.
Dr Gwajima made the remarks during a press conference in Dar es Salaam, where she outlined the ministry’s strategic plans to drive inclusive economic development in line with the National Development Vision 2050.
“All Tanzanians aged 18 years and above who run small businesses are required to be registered and have their business progress evaluated. After assessment, promising businesses are funded, while those showing limited progress are supported through specialised training,” Dr Gwajima said.
She described the programme as “life-changing” and urged small traders across the country to come forward for registration. Dr Gwajima said the registration process is conducted digitally by community development officers in all district councils through the ministry’s Management Information System (MIS).
However, she noted that many citizens fail to follow up on socio-economic opportunities announced by the government, calling for a change in mindset.
“In that regard, I urge citizens to take advantage of opportunities offered by the ministry and other government institutions. Many people are not proactive in following up on economic opportunities,” she said.
Dr Gwajima said the affordable loan scheme, coordinated by NMB Bank, has so far benefited 4,870 small traders who have collectively received 9.9bn/-.
Beneficiaries include food vendors, motorcycle riders, retailers, barbershop operators, vegetable vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
The loans are offered at an interest rate of seven per cent to individual applicants. She further said the government continues to oversee the implementation of the Women Development Fund (WDF), which between July and November 2025 benefited 45 women entrepreneurs with loans amounting to 337.9m/-.
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The WDF, which is also under the ministry, can be accessed through applications submitted to community development officers at district councils.
In a related development, Dr Gwajima reminded citizens of the importance of forming business groups to access the 10 per cent of revenues allocated by district councils nationwide.
“Economic success in today’s world requires collaboration rather than working alone,” she said.
Through such groups, members are equipped with essential entrepreneurship and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to unlock their economic potential, she added.
On promoting national values and moral conduct, Dr Gwajima urged citizens not to ignore social vices such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), whether perpetrated by individuals or non-governmental organisations, stressing the need to hold offenders accountable.
She said harmful practices, including early marriages, can be addressed through collective efforts by reporting cases to relevant law enforcement authorities, including the Police.
According to Dr Gwajima, the country currently has 420 police gender desks established to address gender-related issues.
She emphasised that sustained interventions from grassroots to national level are crucial to protecting Tanzania’s cultural values and social wellbeing