The Government has successfully registered 119,595 small-scale entrepreneurs across Tanzania, aiming to empower citizens to actively participate in economic activities and benefit from development opportunities.
The registration was done under the Small-Scale Entrepreneurs Management and Registration System (WBNMIS).
Speaking to journalists, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Hon. Dorothy Gwajima, said the achievement comes within 100 days of implementing pledges made by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Government has prioritized formalizing businesses, providing affordable loans, and empowering special groups.
“Of those registered, 73,341 are women and 46,254 are men. Registered groups include 103,102 street vendors, 12,384 nutrition mothers and fathers, and 4,109 motorcycle and bajaj operators,” said Minister Gwajima.
During this period, the Government received TZS 10.5 billion to provide low-interest loans at 7 percent per year to small-scale entrepreneurs.
So far, TZS 1.35 billion has been disbursed to 588 entrepreneurs through NMB Bank, and the process continues nationwide.
Through the Women’s Development Fund, TZS 337.9 million has been provided to 45 women entrepreneurs at an interest rate of 4 percent.
In addition, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has formalized 209,632 motorcycle and bajaj operators by issuing driving licenses.
On entrepreneur groups, Minister Gwajima noted that 6,041 groups have been identified and registered through the Wezesha Portal.
Council revenue-based loans worth over TZS 33 billion have been given to 3,776 groups of women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the Sixth Phase Government is determined to deliver on its promises to citizens, stressing that the results are already visible through ongoing projects and programs.
He encouraged communities to support the President’s environmental initiatives by planting at least one tree in their area, showing commitment to environmental protection and the fight against climate change.