Ifakara Town Council has disbursed TZS600 million in interest-free loans to women, youth, and persons with disabilities under the 10 percent loan scheme funded from local revenue.
The move is part of the government’s strategy to economically empower citizens and promote inclusive development.
Speaking at the handover event at Kibaoni Bus Stand Grounds on January 27, 2026, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Felista Mdemu, commended the council for actively implementing the Sixth Phase Government’s vision of empowering citizens through accessible, interest-free loans.
Mdemu urged beneficiary groups to use the funds for their intended purposes, comply with contract conditions, and repay the loans on time to enable more citizens to benefit.
So far, TZS404,787,300 has been released to 41 groups, including 20 women’s groups, 17 youth groups, and 4 groups of persons with disabilities.
The remaining TZS195,212,700 will be disbursed to 17 groups after completing the required improvements.
Ifakara Town Council Director, Pilly Kitwana, encouraged residents to continue forming groups to access the funds and pledged ongoing monitoring to ensure that the loans generate tangible economic benefits for both the beneficiaries and the wider community.