The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has encouraged women across Tanzania to take advantage of the various economic empowerment funds available to increase their incomes through loans.
Dr. Biteko made the call on September 14, 2024, in Singida, while representing the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, at the closing ceremony of the 7th Annual Exhibition on Empowerment Funds and Programs for 2024.
"Women, use the opportunity provided by the government through the Economic Empowerment Funds to borrow and benefit from these loans. I urge all banks to trust women with these loans—wherever you see a woman working, the benefits extend to the whole family," said Dr. Biteko.
He pointed out that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had urged banks to increase lending to citizens, citing the Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) as an example. In 2020, TADB disbursed 63 billion shillings in loans, and by August 2024, it had provided loans totaling 337 billion shillings.
Dr. Biteko highlighted that 58.1% of the beneficiaries from TADB loans are men, 19% are youth, and 22.4% are women. He emphasized the need for banks to continue increasing the amount of loans available to women.
"Banks, continue to trust Tanzanians, lend to them, ease the terms, but ensure that those with the capacity to repay are given loans to facilitate their work," Dr. Biteko urged.
In addition to these remarks, Dr. Biteko launched the Guidelines for Coordination and Management of Empowerment Funds and Programs, which aims to streamline the operation of empowerment programs and funds, particularly to address issues such as non-performing loans. The goal is to foster economic growth and reduce poverty within communities.
Also read: Deputy Prime Minister urges strict adherence to public procurement laws at major regional forum
Regarding the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for November 27, 2024, Dr. Biteko urged citizens in Singida and all Tanzanians to elect leaders based on their qualifications, not their religion, wealth, or ethnicity.
"Your participation in the Local Government Elections will ensure the election of leaders who will promote economic activities and effectively oversee projects, funds, and empowerment programs in your communities," said Dr. Biteko.
On his part, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, acknowledged that the empowerment programs and education provided in Singida have positively impacted many women. He stated that this empowerment will transform the lives of the region’s citizens.
"Irrigation schemes and other programs are aimed at reducing poverty at the individual level, and economic empowerment has brought significant changes to our region," said Dr. Nchemba.
The Executive Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Council, Ms. Ben’g Issa, noted that the government has been making various efforts to empower citizens economically, including establishing policies to support small businesses.
She added that the government has initiated empowerment funds and programs and provided grants in various sectors, as small business owners often struggle to access credit easily.
"The government has been holding exhibitions on empowerment funds and programs to raise awareness among citizens and show how these funds can change their lives. Furthermore, it has established economic empowerment centers in every region of mainland Tanzania to ensure services such as loans, value addition to crops, and tax education reach the people," said Ms. Issa.
Ms. Issa also expressed gratitude to President Samia for providing funds to enhance the 'Imarisha Uchumi na Mama Samia' program, which aims to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in economic activities and increase their incomes.
The Empowerment Funds and Programs Exhibition was guided by the theme, "Participate in the Local Government Elections and Benefit from Empowerment Opportunities."