Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, on Thursday handed over a cheque worth TZS 2.761 billion to women, youth and disabled groups that benefited from the government’s 10 percent loan scheme, part of a pledge by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to deliver results within 100 days of her administration.
The cheque was handed over at Tangamano Grounds in Tanga city, following an inspection of loan beneficiaries’ business activities.
Prof. Shemdoe said the funds, distributed across Tanga City, Korogwe Town, Korogwe District, Lushoto and Pangani, would benefit 155 women’s groups, 71 youth groups, and 19 groups for persons with disabilities, creating a total of 1,715 jobs.
“Today we have disbursed TZS 2.761 billion to groups across the region. This initiative is transforming lives by empowering citizens to engage in sustainable businesses,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
He commended the Regional Commissioner of Tanga, Ambassador Batilda Burian, for efficiently managing the loan distribution and organising exhibitions to showcase beneficiaries’ work, and encouraged other regions to adopt a similar approach.
Ambassador Burian noted that in Tanga City alone, 137 groups received TZS 2 billion, benefiting 686 citizens.
Among the beneficiaries, Zainab Abdallah, a person with disability, said she and her partner, Mariam Siafu, used the loans to purchase four bajajis (three-wheel vehicles) in two phases – the first with TZS 17 million and the second with TZS 22 million – and successfully employed four drivers.
“The loans have enabled us to grow our business and create jobs for others,” she said.
The government’s 10 percent loan programme, part of broader economic empowerment strategies, aims to boost entrepreneurship, particularly among marginalized groups, and reduce unemployment in the regions.
