Tanzania Commercial Bank backs government’s agricultural financing initiatives

Tanzania Commercial Bank backs government’s agricultural financing initiatives

Dar es Salaam. Small and medium-sized farmers can look forward to improved financing for their activities, thanks to a new commitment from Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB).

The first-tier lender has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sixth-phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan by improving access to loans for small and medium-sized farmers.

This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and add value to produce for both local and international markets.

This was revealed during a capacity-building session in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday August 20 by TCB’s Director of Loans, Daniel Mbotto.

TCB organised the event in collaboration with Aceli Africa and AFC GOPA.

Outlining the bank’s strategy to expand its role in the agribusiness sector, Mr Mbotto said TCB was focussing on equipping its staff to effectively provide loans and support value addition throughout the agricultural supply chain.

With an extensive network of 82 branches, Mr Mbotto was optimistic that TCB was committed to ensuring its employees have a comprehensive understanding of agricultural loan provision to drive sector growth.

“We will continue to offer loans while fostering innovation through our experience to effectively support farmers by providing solutions and growing their capital,” Mr Mbotto said.

The response from farmers, he said, has been positive, particularly in cassava cultivation in Kibondo, where they have seen significant benefits in recent harvest seasons. Farmers are now preparing for the upcoming harvest periods.

“The main goal is for TCB to support the government in economically empowering citizens, reaching out to farmers, and assisting them and their families. This support will boost productivity, income, and capital, helping farmers start new businesses and further their progress,” he said.

In support of government efforts to enhance farmer productivity, some cassava growers have begun establishing small processing factories to add value to their produce, allowing them to export to European and American markets.

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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response

Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response

Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.

In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.

“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.

Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.

Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.

Source: allafrica.com

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