By The Respondents Reporter
The Bank of Tanzania is hosting an international high-level meeting in Arusha aimed at strengthening inclusive financial policies and expanding access to capital for small businesses, women and underserved groups across member countries of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI).
The four-day meeting, which opened on May 11 and runs until May 14, 2026, has brought together policymakers, financial experts and regulators to discuss strategies for improving access to financial services and creating more inclusive economic systems.
Opening the conference, BoT Deputy Governor responsible for Financial Sector Stability and Supervision, Sauda Msemo, said the discussions are expected to provide practical solutions to challenges facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in accessing affordable financing.
She said inclusive financial policies are critical in unlocking economic opportunities for millions of entrepreneurs who continue to face barriers in the financial system.
“The discussions taking place here will help member countries strengthen policies that support SMEs and improve financial access for women and other special groups,” she said.
Ms. Msemo noted that women entrepreneurs in many countries still encounter significant obstacles, including lack of collateral, limited land ownership rights and challenges linked to digital financial inclusion.
She added that Tanzania has continued to record notable progress in financial inclusion through implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Framework 2023–2028, which focuses on expanding access to financial services, increasing usage, improving service quality and enhancing financial well-being.
The meeting has been divided into two technical working groups, with one focusing on Global Standards Proportionality (GSP) in policymaking, while the second is discussing financing solutions for SMEs.
Speaking during the opening session, AFI Director of Policy Programs and Implementation, Eliki Boletawa, stressed the importance of cooperation among member countries in building inclusive financial systems that reach larger sections of the population.
He said stronger collaboration among regulators and policymakers would help countries design effective financial policies capable of supporting economic growth and reducing financial exclusion.
Tanzania’s efforts in advancing financial inclusion have continued to receive international recognition. In 2025, the Bank of Tanzania won the prestigious Nestor Espenilla Jr. Award for innovation in financial inclusion, further cementing the country’s growing reputation in developing inclusive financial systems.
