Kibaha Municipal Council has disbursed loans worth TZS 991.5 million to women, youth and people with disabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen economic empowerment, expand business opportunities and reduce poverty among residents.
The funds were issued during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, benefiting 51 groups under the council’s special loan programme targeting income-generating activities.
Out of the total amount, TZS 359 million went to 17 women’s groups, TZS 557 million to 25 youth groups, and TZS 75 million to nine groups of people with disabilities.
The initiative is designed to promote inclusive participation in economic activities and support grassroots entrepreneurship across Kibaha Town.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony held at the council hall, Kibaha Urban Member of Parliament Silvestry F. Koka said access to affordable credit remains a key driver of economic transformation for ordinary citizens, especially those who lack collateral required by formal financial institutions.
He noted that many residents have business potential but are constrained by limited access to capital. He said the council’s loan scheme is helping bridge that gap by providing financial support to groups that are often excluded from the formal banking system.
“Many citizens have the ability to run businesses, but they fail to access loans because they do not meet the requirements of financial institutions. Through these council loans, we are opening opportunities and helping reduce poverty among our people,” said Koka.
He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, invest in productive ventures, and ensure timely repayment so that other groups can also benefit in the future.
He further emphasized the importance of continuous training in entrepreneurship and financial management to improve project sustainability.
Koka also revealed that more than TZS 4.5 billion is currently circulating in the form of loans issued by the council, saying this has contributed significantly to business expansion, job creation and increased internal revenue for the municipality.
Kibaha District Commissioner Nickson Simon John called on beneficiaries to maintain discipline in managing the funds, stressing that loans should be directed strictly to productive economic activities.
“Money is like blood in the economy. When it circulates properly, it gives life to businesses, increases production, and improves people’s livelihoods. These loans must be used for development purposes,” he said.
Kibaha Municipal Council Director Dr. Rogers Shemwelekwa said the council has so far disbursed TZS 2.1 billion to 457 groups of special categories during the 2025/2026 financial year.
He said that out of this amount, TZS 1.09 billion was allocated to 275 women’s groups, TZS 904.5 million to 161 youth groups, and TZS 158.8 million to groups of people with disabilities.
He added that the programme reflects the council’s commitment to using internally generated revenue to empower communities economically.
The initiative continues to strengthen financial inclusion and support small businesses, ensuring that economic growth benefits a wider section of society, particularly vulnerable groups.
Officials said the programme is expected to expand further as repayments continue, allowing more groups to access capital and participate in income-generating activities that improve livelihoods and stimulate local economic development.
