The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms. Agnes Kisaka Meena, has launched a new digital livestock insurance system aimed at strengthening the protection of livestock assets, improving access to insurance services, and enhancing productivity in Tanzania’s livestock sector.
The launch took place on June 29, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during a ceremony held at Serena Hotel, where the innovative product known as Smart Mifugo was unveiled through a partnership between CRDB Insurance and ACRE Africa.
Ms. Meena said the initiative represents a major step forward in addressing long-standing challenges facing livestock keepers, particularly those in rural areas, by using technology to bring services closer to the people and make them more efficient, transparent, and affordable.
She explained that through the system, livestock keepers will be able to register, pay insurance premiums, and file claims directly using mobile phones, reducing delays and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy that has often discouraged access to insurance services.
She noted that the platform will operate through the DigiBima App, which brings together all insurance services in one digital system, making it easier for farmers and pastoralists to access protection for their livestock anytime and anywhere.
Ms. Meena further highlighted that artificial intelligence technology will be used to identify animals through unique nose-print recognition, a modern innovation that will help improve accuracy in livestock identification, reduce fraud, and minimize losses caused by theft or mismanagement.
She emphasized that livestock remains a critical source of income, employment, and food security for many Tanzanians, and urged livestock keepers to adopt the new system in order to safeguard their assets and improve their livelihoods.
The Permanent Secretary also called on stakeholders in the sector to use the technology responsibly and effectively, noting that the government continues to create a supportive environment for private sector innovation and digital transformation in agriculture and livestock development.
On his part, CRDB Bank Managing Director, Dr. Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela, said the introduction of Smart Mifugo is part of the bank’s broader commitment to supporting livestock keepers with financial services that help them grow their businesses and improve their incomes.
He said the bank will continue to expand access to credit and financial solutions that enable farmers to invest in livestock production, strengthen value chains such as dairy, and increase overall economic opportunities in rural communities.
CRDB Insurance Managing Director, Mr. Wilson Mnzava, said one of the key challenges in the livestock sector has been the lack of reliable identification systems, which has contributed to losses and inefficiencies in livestock management.
He said the new digital insurance system addresses this challenge by introducing AI-powered nose-print identification technology, which ensures accurate tracking and verification of animals, improving trust and efficiency in the insurance process.
The launch of Smart Mifugo is expected to transform the livestock sector by improving financial inclusion, reducing risks for livestock keepers, and promoting the use of modern technology to drive sustainable agricultural development in Tanzania.
