Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Culture and Arts Fund (TACAF) has issued loans worth TZS 5.2 billion to creative projects since its launch on December 23, 2022.
Most of the beneficiaries are involved in music and film.
According to TACAF’s Assistant Accountant, Ms. Fatma Daudi, a total of 375 individuals and companies have benefited so far.
She made the statement during the ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), also known as Sabasaba.
Ms. Daudi said the fund is still available and urged more artists and creatives to apply. She explained that many people wrongly believe the fund is only for famous artists.
“The fund is open to anyone who meets the requirements,” she said.
The loans range from TZS 200,000 to TZS 100 million. To qualify, applicants need to submit an annual bank statement, a national ID, a business plan, and a completed application form.
They also need registration certificates from COSOTA (for cultural artists), BASATA (for musicians), or the Tanzania Film Board (for filmmakers).
At the same event, Bongo Flava artist and entrepreneur Faustina Mfinanga, known as Nandy, performed and showcased her leather brand, Shushi.
She praised the official launch of the Made in Tanzania logo, calling it a sign that the country is ready to produce high-quality goods locally.
Nandy said she currently manufactures her leather products abroad but is now considering setting up a factory in Tanzania. She was inspired after seeing other local producers who already own factories. “This shows that we can make quality products here. I now believe it’s possible to produce locally,” she said.
The Made in Tanzania brand was officially launched on July 7, 2025, by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. He opened the Sabasaba exhibitions and called on Tanzanians to support local products.
Dr. Mwinyi urged citizens to develop commercial patriotism. He said the new logo should encourage people to buy, use, and promote Tanzanian-made goods. He also directed ministries and trade authorities to raise awareness about the brand and its importance to national development.