The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Felister Mdemu, has called on beneficiaries of the Women’s Development Fund (WDF) loans to repay their funds promptly, stressing that timely repayment will allow more women to access financial support and grow their businesses.
Mdemu made the call on December 15, 2025, during an official visit to Dodoma region to assess the progress of women’s entrepreneurial groups.
Congratulating beneficiaries on the progress of their projects, Mdemu reminded them that proper loan repayment is key to the sustainability of the WDF.
She noted that the fund operates on a revolving basis, designed to economically uplift as many women as possible.
During her visit, Mdemu toured the Five Dadas group, which produces bread, the Kemmy Group, specializing in household food and spice processing, and entrepreneur Neema Woisoo, who runs a juice-making business and a food café. She commended their creativity, hard work, and commitment to running their enterprises.
Mdemu also encouraged the entrepreneurs to improve product quality and expand market access to boost their incomes and strengthen their businesses.
She assured that the government will continue providing training and oversight to ensure WDF loans deliver the expected results.
Loan beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for providing the funds, noting that the support has enabled them to start and expand businesses, increase family incomes, create jobs for others, and improve overall livelihoods, contributing to community and national development.
“One of the beneficiaries said, ‘We promise to continue running our businesses responsibly and repay the loans on time, so that more women can benefit from the fund.’”