The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has grown its capital and development financing portfolio to more than TZS 1.04 trillion, with nearly three-quarters of its total loan disbursements made during the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, according to the bank's management.
Speaking in Dodoma on Thursday, TADB Managing Director Frank Nyabundege said the bank had significantly expanded its financial capacity and lending activities over the past five years, strengthening support for farmers, livestock keepers and fishers across the country.
Addressing journalists at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports (MAELEZO), Nyabundege said 73.6 per cent of all loans issued by the bank since its establishment were disbursed between 2022 and 2025.
“TADB was established to provide financial services that transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a modern, productive and commercially competitive sector. The growth we have recorded reflects increased investment in agricultural development and financial inclusion,” he said.
According to Nyabundege, the bank's capital has risen sharply from TZS 60 billion before 2021 to TZS 452.16 billion following a series of government injections and development financing initiatives.
He said the Government injected TZS 208 billion in 2021, increasing the bank's capital to TZS 268 billion.
A further TZS 174.16 billion financed through the African Development Bank (AfDB) was added in 2024, while another TZS 10 billion was injected in 2025.
Beyond its capital base, TADB has mobilised TZS 445.6 billion from international development partners, secured TZS 108.4 billion through the Smallholder Credit Guarantee Scheme (SCGS), and manages TZS 36.54 billion on behalf of the Government, bringing its overall capital and development financing resources to more than TZS 1.04 trillion.
Nyabundege said the increased financial resources have enabled the bank to expand lending across key agricultural value chains, supporting production, mechanisation and access to agricultural inputs.
He noted that the financing has contributed to efforts aimed at improving national food security, citing Tanzania's reported food self-sufficiency level of 130 per cent in 2025.
“TADB financing has supported investments in production, storage and value addition, helping reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for agricultural producers,” he said.
The bank has also financed the construction of warehouses, grain storage facilities, cold storage infrastructure and transport systems designed to strengthen agricultural supply chains and improve farmers' earnings.
Looking ahead, Nyabundege said TADB's priorities for the 2026/27 financial year will focus on expanding access to affordable financing for agriculture, livestock and fisheries while supporting the country's long-term development agenda under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
The bank also plans to increase investment in agricultural technology, climate-resilient farming practices, youth and women empowerment programmes, and value-addition initiatives aimed at boosting both domestic and export markets.
“Our objective is to continue supporting a productive and competitive agricultural sector that creates jobs, strengthens food security and contributes to economic growth,” Nyabundege said.
