The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has been recognised among the three leading institutions globally for its efforts to advance financial inclusion and close the gender gap in access to financial services.
The recognition was made by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) during its 2026 Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion, held in Port Moresby from September 1 to 4.
The central bank received recognition under several AFI awards and certification categories, including the Maya Declaration Award, which acknowledges progress by member institutions in setting, measuring and implementing commitments to expand financial inclusion.
BoT was also recognised for its contribution to implementing the Denarau Action Plan, which promotes greater access to financial services for women and calls for measures to reduce gender disparities in the financial sector.
BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba received the certificates during the forum, which brought together more than 700 participants from 79 countries.
The recognition highlights Tanzania's efforts to create a policy and regulatory environment that supports wider access to formal financial services, while promoting digital financial services and addressing barriers faced by women.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “Financial Health: The Foundation for a Resilient Economy and an Inclusive Future,” Mr Tutuba said financial inclusion should go beyond simply increasing the number of people with access to financial services.
He said the ultimate measure should be whether people could effectively manage their finances, save, make productive use of credit, withstand financial shocks and improve their livelihoods.
Mr Tutuba outlined Tanzania's experience in strengthening financial health through an integrated digital payments system, financial-sector development policies and strategies, as well as financial literacy and financial capability programmes.
The governor also presented the 2026 Nestor Espenilla Jr Financial Inclusion Innovation Award to the Bank of Zambia, which emerged as the winner.
Other BoT officials received recognition for their contribution to financial inclusion.
Nangi Massawe, manager of the Financial Inclusion Department, received a certificate in the Financial Inclusion Policy Leadership category, while Khadijah Kishimba, manager of the Financial Consumer Protection Department, was recognised under Market Conduct and Consumer Empowerment.
Three BoT officials—Sadiki Nyanzowa, Thomas Mongella and Kidee Mshiriri—also completed the Fletcher School Financial Inclusion Leadership Programme and received certificates.
The bank said the achievements would help strengthen its institutional capacity to develop and implement policies and strategies aimed at expanding financial inclusion.
AFI, a global network of financial-sector policymakers and regulators, has members from 84 countries. Its annual policy forum provides a platform for policymakers, regulators, development institutions, private-sector players and technology providers to exchange experiences and discuss measures to build more inclusive and resilient financial systems.
The 2026 forum was held under the theme “Resilient Economy, Inclusive Future.”