Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has handed over 2.76bn/- to women, youths and persons with disabilities in Tanga under the 10 per cent loans scheme, as part of the fulfillment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge to promote economic empowerment within her first 100 days in office.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said the funds will benefit groups across Tanga City Council, Korogwe Town, Korogwe District, Lushoto and Pangani, expanding the reach of the loan scheme across multiple local government authorities in the region.
“The funds will support 155 women’s groups, 71 youth groups and 19 groups of persons with disabilities, an investment expected to generate a total of 1,715 jobs and strengthen grassroots economic participation,” he said.
Prof Shemdoe handed over the cheque to beneficiary groups during exhibitions held at the Tangamano Grounds in Tanga City, after inspecting income-generating activities run by entrepreneurs supported through the 10 per cent loans across the region, highlighting the government’s focus on accountability, performance and measurable impact.
The exhibitions provided a platform for authorities to assess how the loans have translated into tangible economic outcomes, including business expansion and job creation, while also enabling beneficiaries to showcase best practices and challenges, reinforcing the government’s results-oriented approach to local economic empowerment.
Prof Shemdoe commended Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian, for efficiently managing the disbursement of the 10 per cent loans and for organising exhibitions that highlighted the progress and achievements of beneficiary groups, demonstrating strong regional leadership and oversight.
He noted that such exhibitions not only provide transparency in fund utilisation but also serve as a model for other regions to monitor the impact of government-supported economic initiatives, fostering accountability, knowledge sharing, and replication of successful practices.
He further instructed Regional Commissioners across the country to organise similar exhibitions, following Tanga Region’s example, to showcase the impact of the 10 per cent loans and promote best practices in local economic empowerment.
On her part, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian, stated that in line with implementing the President’s pledge, Prof Shemdoe handed over a 2bn/- cheque to 137 groups in Tanga City alone, directly benefiting 686 citizens and reinforcing the region’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Ms Zainab Abdallah, a beneficiary with a disability, explained that she and her colleague, Mariam Siafu, utilised the 10 per cent loans to acquire four three-wheeled motorcycles (bajaj), demonstrating how the scheme enables smallscale entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and generate income.
In the first phase, they received 17m/-, which allowed them to purchase two bajaj, and in the second phase, they received 22m/- to acquire an additional two vehicles.
This investment has enabled them to create employment for four drivers, illustrating the direct impact of the loan scheme on job creation and small business growth.
The success of their enterprise highlights how targeted financial support can empower entrepreneurs, promote self-reliance and stimulate local economic activity, particularly for youths and persons with disabilities who face barriers to accessing traditional financing.
The government’s disbursement of loans to women, youths and persons with disabilities in Tanga is expected to stimulate local economic activity by enabling small businesses to expand, create jobs and increase productivity.
By enhancing access to capital for marginalised groups, the initiative not only promotes entrepreneurship but also strengthens household incomes, reduces reliance on external support and contributes to broader regional economic growth.
