The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has been commended for strengthening livestock financing across the country, with government officials saying its interventions continue to drive productivity, commercialisation and value addition in the sector.
Speaking during the opening of the 2026 Lake Zone Livestock Show in Busanda, Shinyanga Region, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Agnes Meena, said TADB has remained a key financial partner in transforming livestock farming, particularly in the Lake Zone.
“TADB has continued to provide accessible and sustainable financing to livestock keepers. This support is not only increasing production but also encouraging farmers to shift from subsistence to commercial livestock farming,” she said.
Meena urged financial institutions and other stakeholders to work more closely in addressing persistent challenges facing livestock keepers, including access to markets, modern technologies and affordable inputs.
“Livestock keepers need timely solutions. Delays in addressing their challenges directly affect productivity and income. We must act with urgency if we want this sector to grow,” she said.
On his part, TADB Acting Lake Zone Manager Andrew Kimbelwa reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion in the livestock sector through tailored financing solutions.
“We remain committed to working closely with livestock farmers. Our approach is simple—listen to their needs and provide financing solutions that respond directly to those needs,” he said.
Kimbelwa said the bank will continue strengthening collaboration with stakeholders across the livestock value chain to ensure farmers are not constrained by lack of capital, which remains a major barrier to sector growth.
“When farmers have access to affordable capital, they are able to invest, expand and improve productivity. That is the transformation we are working to achieve,” he said.
He also commended the Government and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for maintaining an enabling policy environment that continues to attract investment into the sector.
“The Government has created a supportive environment that has made it possible for financial institutions like ours to expand outreach and impact. This partnership is delivering measurable results,” he said.
FarmFlex Ltd Managing Director Charles Nduku, organisers of the exhibition, also praised TADB for supporting the event, saying it plays a critical role in strengthening knowledge sharing and market access for farmers.
“This exhibition provides a practical learning space where farmers interact, exchange ideas and access modern livestock technologies that improve efficiency and productivity,” he said.
He added that livestock auctions conducted during the event continue to strengthen market linkages and create business opportunities for farmers across the region.
According to TADB, the bank has so far disbursed loans worth Sh119 billion to the livestock sector nationwide, targeting key value chains including dairy, beef, poultry and veterinary services.
Of this amount, Sh40 billion has been invested in dairy farming, Sh20 billion in beef production, Sh53 billion in poultry farming, and Sh6 billion in other livestock-related activities and veterinary support services.
In the Lake Zone alone, TADB has disbursed Sh25 billion, supporting livestock production and trade across one of the country’s most important livestock hubs.
The financing has benefited 60,848 Tanzanians, including 18,634 women, 679 youth and 42,214 men, underscoring the bank’s growing role in advancing inclusive growth and transforming livestock farming into a more productive and commercially viable sector.
