Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) has set aside TZS15 billion in financing for traders, farmers and gold miners in Chato District, Geita Region, as the lender moves to deepen access to credit and support local economic activity.
TCB Director of Personal and Small and Medium Enterprise Banking Lilian Mtali announced the financing on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during the launch of the bank’s new branch in Chato town.
She said the funding was intended to help residents expand their businesses, increase production and improve household incomes, particularly in sectors driving economic activity in the district.
The new branch, she said, would bring banking services closer to customers while providing a more conducive environment for accessing financial products.
“The branch has a friendly and modern environment that reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening financial services and supporting the growth of economic activities,” Ms Mtali said.
The financing push comes as TCB continues to expand its balance sheet. Ms Mtali said the bank’s assets had reached TZS2.5 trillion over the past six months, while its loan portfolio stood at TZS1.6 trillion and customer deposits had risen to TZS1.73 trillion.
TCB now has more than 84 branches, making it the third-largest bank in Tanzania by branch network, according to Ms Mtali.
She added that the bank had also joined all relevant Government financial service systems, enabling customers to access a wider range of services.
Speaking after the launch, Chato District Commissioner Louis Bura urged residents to use the new banking services and available financing to expand their capital and strengthen their businesses.
He said TCB, in which the Government holds a significant ownership stake, had an important role to play in expanding financial inclusion and ensuring citizens could access affordable financial services.
Mr Bura specifically urged small and medium-sized businesses, farmers and gold miners to use the loans for their intended purposes to increase production and contribute to economic development.
The opening of the Chato branch comes as financial institutions increasingly seek to position credit closer to productive sectors, particularly agriculture, mining and small businesses, which remain important sources of employment and income in regional economies.