The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has conducted training for persons with disabilities in Chemba District, Dodoma Region, to help them identify security features embedded in Tanzanian banknotes as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion and public awareness.
The training, held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, targeted people with hearing impairments and those who are visually impaired.
It aimed to equip them with knowledge and practical skills to recognize genuine Tanzanian currency and avoid counterfeit money.
The initiative forms part of the central bank’s broader efforts to support the implementation of the national development agenda, including the goals outlined in the National Development Vision 2050, which seeks to build a resilient and competitive economy.
Speaking on behalf of the BoT Communications Manager, Senior Communications Officer Sadi Makomba said the programme reflects the central bank’s commitment to ensuring that financial education reaches every segment of society, particularly vulnerable and special groups.
He said people with disabilities often face challenges in identifying authentic currency due to limited access to financial literacy programmes, exposing them to potential fraud and other financial risks.
“The objective of the Bank of Tanzania is to ensure that every citizen is included in financial education, especially special groups in society. These groups often face difficulties in identifying genuine currency and may encounter challenges due to lack of access to accurate financial knowledge,” said Makomba.
He added that educating persons with disabilities on the security features of banknotes will enable them to confidently handle cash transactions and protect themselves from counterfeit notes circulating in the market.
Participants in the training were introduced to various security features used in Tanzanian banknotes, including tactile marks that help visually impaired individuals distinguish between different denominations through touch.
The central bank has been implementing similar awareness programmes across different regions as part of its mandate to maintain confidence in the country’s currency and strengthen public understanding of how to identify genuine notes.
Dodoma Regional Association of Persons with Disabilities chairman Omary Lubuva commended the Bank of Tanzania for organizing the training, noting that it has helped bridge a significant gap in financial knowledge among persons with disabilities in Chemba District.
Lubuva said many people with disabilities have long struggled to access reliable information about financial matters, particularly on how to verify banknotes during everyday transactions.
He noted that the training will empower participants to handle money more confidently and independently, reducing the risk of being misled by counterfeit currency.
“We sincerely thank the Bank of Tanzania for bringing this important training to our community. It has addressed a major gap in financial education for persons with disabilities in Chemba,” he said.
Lubuva also called for continued collaboration between financial institutions and organisations representing persons with disabilities to ensure that financial literacy programmes are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
The Bank of Tanzania continues to implement public education initiatives aimed at strengthening awareness of the country’s currency and improving financial literacy across Tanzania, particularly among underserved and vulnerable groups.
