Zanzibar digitises loan issuance for special groups

Zanzibar digitises loan issuance for special groups

Unguja. The Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) has launched a digital system for issuing loans to special groups, aimed at addressing concerns over delays and loan repayment processes.

The system, set to officially commence operations on April 15, 2025, will eliminate the need for traditional loan application methods, with expectation to enhance transparency, speed, and security in loan disbursement.

Speaking at the launching event on Thursday April 3, 2025, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Labour, Economy, and Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff, described the initiative as a significant step towards ensuring that special group entrepreneurs—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—access financial services with ease.

He emphasised that the digital platform will provide swift feedback to loan applicants, facilitate secure fund disbursement, and simplify repayment without requiring beneficiaries to visit loan offices in person.

“With loan applications and processing now conducted online, applicants will receive timely responses, enabling them to start or expand their businesses without unnecessary delays,” he said.

He assured that the platform guarantees a high level of financial security, as loan repayments will be conducted digitally via the Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB), minimising the risk of fund mismanagement or fraud.

“The system ensures that funds reach the intended beneficiaries securely and transparently,” he said.

Additionally, the platform provides an avenue for loan applicants to track their applications online, eliminating uncertainty and ensuring they are informed at every stage of the process.

“The system has been designed to be accessible to all eligible applicants of the loan scheme, without discrimination. It is user-friendly and can be easily utilised by women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Mr Shariff added.

Since September last year, a total of Sh965 million has been disbursed to 123 entrepreneurial groups comprising 1,054 individuals, including 899 women and 155 men. Among these groups, 80 belong to women, 30 to youth, and 13 to persons with disabilities, according to Mr Shariff.

Despite government efforts to provide loans to entrepreneurs, lengthy loan disbursement procedures and bureaucratic challenges have hindered accessibility.

The new digital loan system is being implemented through a partnership involving three institutions: Zeea, which oversees the loan programme; Airpay, responsible for ensuring secure digital transactions; and TCB, which facilitates seamless access to funds for entrepreneurs.

ZEEA chief executive officer, Mr Juma Burhan, stated that the system will eliminate previous challenges and ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from the loans. He added that the platform will also enhance loan repayment processes, allowing borrowers to repay using their mobile phones instead of visiting banks.

“The system will facilitate loan disbursement within a maximum of 14 days, with some loans processed within just 24 hours,” Mr Burhan revealed.

TCB chief operating officer, Ms Jema Msuya, noted that the bank has already disbursed Sh954 billion in loans through traditional means. He expressed optimism that the new system will further increase loan accessibility and efficiency.

“We take pride in collaborating with ZEEA to ensure efficiency and transparency in loan disbursement,” Ms Msuya remarked.

Airpay strategy director, Mihayo Wilmore, affirmed that the system will enable verification of loan applicants to confirm their eligibility.

“If an applicant has an existing loan with ZEEA, the system will indicate this. Once the verification process is complete, the request will be forwarded to TCB for loan approval,” he explained.

Original Media Source

Share this news

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

This Year's Most Read News Stories

Tanzania's opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Investment News Editor

Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy

Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.

The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.

Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.

The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.

“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.

To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.

The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.

In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.

Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.

The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.

Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.

Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.

Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading