Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are pivotal in driving financial inclusion and economic growth in Tanzania, particularly for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). A recent study by the Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd. (TICGL) titled "The Contribution of Microfinance Services to the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania" provides comprehensive insights into how MFIs support SMEs, the challenges they face, and opportunities for growth. This article explores key findings from the 2025 TICGL report, highlighting the transformative role of microfinance in Tanzania’s SME ecosystem.

The Importance of MFIs for Tanzanian SMEs

MFIs bridge a critical gap in Tanzania’s financial landscape, offering accessible credit, savings products, and financial literacy training to MSEs that traditional banks often overlook due to perceived risks. According to the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2022), MSEs contribute over 35% to Tanzania’s GDP and employ more than 5 million people. By providing tailored financial services, MFIs empower these enterprises to expand, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

Key Services Provided by MFIs

• Micro-loans: Small-scale loans (often below TZS 5 million) for working capital and business expansion.
• Group Loans: Peer-guaranteed loans, particularly effective for women-led and rural businesses.
• Financial Literacy Training: Programs to enhance budgeting, loan management, and business planning skills.
• Digital Financial Services: Mobile banking and payment platforms for improved accessibility.

Key Findings from the TICGL Study

The TICGL study, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, surveyed 420 MFIs across Tanzania, providing a detailed analysis of their operations, challenges, and opportunities. Below are some key insights:

Loan Portfolio Allocation

MFIs allocate their loans strategically to support various sectors critical to Tanzania’s economy. Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of MFI loan portfolios:

Figure 1: Loan Portfolio Allocation by Business Sector (2025)

Source: TICGL, 2025

Trade and retail dominate with 30% of loan allocations, reflecting the prevalence of small trading businesses. Agriculture (22%) and manufacturing (18%) also receive significant funding, aligning with national priorities for food security and industrialization.

Loan Size Trends

The study found that 62% of MFI loans are below TZS 5 million, catering primarily to micro-enterprises with quick-turnaround needs. Figure 2 shows the distribution of loan sizes:

Figure 2: Loan Size Distribution Among MSEs (2025)

Source: TICGL, 2025

This trend highlights MFIs’ focus on small, low-risk loans, which are easier to approve and manage.

Default Rates and Risk Management

Loan default rates remain a significant concern for MFIs. The study found that 49% of MFIs report default rates between 5–10%, while 27% face higher risks with rates exceeding 10%. Figure 3 outlines the default rate distribution:

Figure 3: Default Rates for MSE Loans (2025)

Source: TICGL, 2025

To mitigate risks, MFIs employ strategies such as:

• Credit Risk Assessment and Scoring (26%)
• Group Lending and Social Collateral (23%)
• Loan Portfolio Diversification (17%)
• Strict Loan Monitoring (19%)
• Credit Guarantee Schemes (15%)

Challenges Facing MFIs

MFIs face several barriers that limit their ability to serve MSEs effectively. Figure 4 summarizes the key challenges:

Figure 4: Main Challenges in Providing Loans to MSEs (2025)

Source: TICGL, 2025

High borrowing costs (44%) and stringent collateral requirements (29%) further complicate MFIs’ ability to secure capital, while regulatory constraints, such as interest rate caps, limit operational flexibility.

Opportunities for Growth

Despite these challenges, the TICGL report identifies significant opportunities to enhance MFI support for MSEs:

• Government-Backed Funding (28%): Access to credit guarantee programs and concessional loans can expand lending capacity.
• Digital Financial Services (25%): Mobile banking and fintech partnerships can reduce costs and improve accessibility.
• MFI Collaboration (27%): Knowledge sharing and joint initiatives can enhance service delivery.
• Fintech Partnerships (20%): Advanced technologies like AI-driven credit scoring can improve risk management.

Recommendations for a Stronger Microfinance Ecosystem

To maximize the impact of MFIs on SME development, the TICGL study proposes several actionable recommendations:

For MFIs

1. Adopt Digital Lending Platforms: Invest in mobile-based loan systems to streamline operations and reach underserved areas.
2. Enhance Financial Literacy Programs: Offer structured training on budgeting, loan management, and digital tools to reduce default rates.
3. Diversify Funding Sources: Engage with impact investors and development finance institutions to secure sustainable capital.

For Regulators

1. Introduce Tiered Compliance: Reduce compliance costs for smaller MFIs to encourage growth.
2. Flexible Lending Guidelines: Allow alternative credit assessments to include informal businesses.
3. Streamline Reporting: Implement digital reporting systems to reduce administrative burdens.

For Stakeholders

1. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Facilitate collaboration between MFIs, banks, and government agencies.
2. Promote Fintech Innovation: Support regulatory sandboxes to test new financial products.
3. Focus on Gender Inclusion: Develop targeted financial products for women-led enterprises.

Conclusion

Microfinance Institutions are indispensable to Tanzania’s economic growth, empowering MSEs through accessible credit and capacity-building programs. The TICGL 2025 study underscores the need for innovative lending models, digital transformation, and regulatory reforms to overcome challenges like high default rates and limited capital access. By leveraging government support, fintech partnerships, and financial literacy initiatives, MFIs can strengthen their role in fostering sustainable SME growth and driving financial inclusion across Tanzania.

Introduction

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing 35% to GDP and employing approximately 4-5 million people, which accounts for 50% of the workforce. Representing 95% of all businesses, SMEs drive growth in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and construction. However, challenges such as limited financing, regulatory barriers, and infrastructure gaps hinder their full potential. With targeted reforms, SME contributions could increase to 45% of GDP and employment share to 60% by 2030, transforming Tanzania’s economic landscape.

SME Market Landscape and Economic Contribution

SMEs are integral to Tanzania’s development, but their potential remains underutilized due to compliance difficulties and financial constraints.

Challenges in Regulatory Compliance

• High Compliance Costs: SMEs face complex tax and licensing procedures, ranking Tanzania 141st out of 190 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.
• Tax Burden: Over 70% of SMEs report struggles with multiple taxes and costly licensing.
• Formalization Barriers: Regulatory complexity discourages informal SMEs from transitioning into the formal economy.

Investment Opportunities and Constraints

High-Potential Sectors:

• Agribusiness (40% of SMEs): Huge potential due to arable land but faces financing and infrastructure limitations.
• ICT: Growing sector with increased digital services but limited rural access.

Constraints:

• Limited Access to Finance: Only 20% of SMEs secure bank loans due to high interest rates (17-20%) and collateral demands.
• Projected FDI Growth: Improved infrastructure and digital transformation could boost FDI by 50% by 2030.

Resource Accessibility (Financial, Technological, and Training)

• Finance: Only 20% of SMEs access formal financial institutions.
• Digital Access: Mobile money penetration stands at 53%, aiding market reach, especially in urban areas.
• Training Programs: Mostly available in urban areas, leaving rural SMEs underserved.

Projections for 2030

With reforms in financing, regulations, and infrastructure, SMEs could significantly enhance Tanzania’s economy.

Key Recommendations

• Simplify Regulatory Processes: Streamline business registration and tax compliance.
• Expand Access to Finance: Introduce SME-friendly credit options and digital banking solutions.
• Enhance Infrastructure: Invest in transportation, energy, and digital networks, especially in rural areas.

Conclusion

SMEs are critical drivers of Tanzania’s economic growth, but their potential remains untapped due to financial, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges. By simplifying business regulations, improving financial accessibility, and investing in infrastructure, Tanzania can empower its SME sector to contribute more significantly to GDP and employment. Strategic investments in technology and training programs will further support SME growth, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy by 2030.