Within its first 100 days, Tanzania’s Sixth Phase Government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has disbursed TZS 10.5 billion to empower more than 100,000 formally registered small-scale entrepreneurs.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, January 25, 2026, the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, said the initiative is part of the government’s drive to create an inclusive economy that allows more citizens to actively participate in national development.
“The informal sector is a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy, employing millions of people, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Dr. Gwajima said.
“For years, this sector has faced challenges such as lack of legal recognition, limited access to capital, inadequate markets, and weak social protection systems.”he added
Under the programme, the government has streamlined the registration of small-scale entrepreneurs, integrating them into the formal economy.
So far, 119,595 entrepreneurs have been registered under the Small-Scale Entrepreneurs Registration System (WBN–MIS), with identification, registration, and empowerment efforts continuing nationwide.
Out of the funds, TZS 1.35 billion has already been disbursed through NMB Bank as low-interest loans at 7 percent, accessible to both men and women.
In addition, the Women’s Development Fund continues to provide loans at 4 percent interest. Over 6,000 groups have benefited from loans equivalent to 10 percent of local government revenues, totaling over TZS 33 billion, through the Local Government Authorities (PO-RALG).
The government is also providing training, licenses, market access, and opportunities to participate in government tenders through institutions including SIDO, PPRA, and PO-RALG.
Financial institutions such as NMB, TCB, and DCB have extended loans worth more than TZS 700 billion to registered entrepreneurs.
“This investment is already producing positive results, empowering small entrepreneurs, strengthening the informal sector, and laying a foundation for a competitive and inclusive economy,” Dr. Gwajima said.
The government continues to encourage citizens to formalize their businesses to access the wide range of opportunities available.