Zanzibar digitises loan issuance for special groups

Unguja. The Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) has launched a digital system for issuing loans to special groups, aimed at addressing concerns over delays and loan repayment processes.

The system, set to officially commence operations on April 15, 2025, will eliminate the need for traditional loan application methods, with expectation to enhance transparency, speed, and security in loan disbursement.

Speaking at the launching event on Thursday April 3, 2025, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Labour, Economy, and Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff, described the initiative as a significant step towards ensuring that special group entrepreneurs—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—access financial services with ease.

He emphasised that the digital platform will provide swift feedback to loan applicants, facilitate secure fund disbursement, and simplify repayment without requiring beneficiaries to visit loan offices in person.

“With loan applications and processing now conducted online, applicants will receive timely responses, enabling them to start or expand their businesses without unnecessary delays,” he said.

He assured that the platform guarantees a high level of financial security, as loan repayments will be conducted digitally via the Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB), minimising the risk of fund mismanagement or fraud.

“The system ensures that funds reach the intended beneficiaries securely and transparently,” he said.

Additionally, the platform provides an avenue for loan applicants to track their applications online, eliminating uncertainty and ensuring they are informed at every stage of the process.

“The system has been designed to be accessible to all eligible applicants of the loan scheme, without discrimination. It is user-friendly and can be easily utilised by women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Mr Shariff added.

Since September last year, a total of Sh965 million has been disbursed to 123 entrepreneurial groups comprising 1,054 individuals, including 899 women and 155 men. Among these groups, 80 belong to women, 30 to youth, and 13 to persons with disabilities, according to Mr Shariff.

Despite government efforts to provide loans to entrepreneurs, lengthy loan disbursement procedures and bureaucratic challenges have hindered accessibility.

The new digital loan system is being implemented through a partnership involving three institutions: Zeea, which oversees the loan programme; Airpay, responsible for ensuring secure digital transactions; and TCB, which facilitates seamless access to funds for entrepreneurs.

ZEEA chief executive officer, Mr Juma Burhan, stated that the system will eliminate previous challenges and ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from the loans. He added that the platform will also enhance loan repayment processes, allowing borrowers to repay using their mobile phones instead of visiting banks.

“The system will facilitate loan disbursement within a maximum of 14 days, with some loans processed within just 24 hours,” Mr Burhan revealed.

TCB chief operating officer, Ms Jema Msuya, noted that the bank has already disbursed Sh954 billion in loans through traditional means. He expressed optimism that the new system will further increase loan accessibility and efficiency.

“We take pride in collaborating with ZEEA to ensure efficiency and transparency in loan disbursement,” Ms Msuya remarked.

Airpay strategy director, Mihayo Wilmore, affirmed that the system will enable verification of loan applicants to confirm their eligibility.

“If an applicant has an existing loan with ZEEA, the system will indicate this. Once the verification process is complete, the request will be forwarded to TCB for loan approval,” he explained.