Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a cornerstone of Tanzania's economy, contributing approximately 35% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing nearly 50% of the workforce, equivalent to 4-5 million people. Representing 95% of all businesses, SMEs are vital in driving growth across key sectors such as agriculture (40%), manufacturing (30%), and services (25%). Despite their significance, SMEs face persistent challenges that hinder their potential, including limited access to formal financing, which is available to only 20% of SMEs. High-interest rates ranging from 17-20% and stringent collateral requirements exacerbate this issue, leaving many SMEs reliant on personal funds.

Additionally, regulatory compliance poses significant hurdles, with Tanzania ranking 141st out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index. Complex tax and licensing procedures, alongside inadequate infrastructure in rural areas, limit SME productivity and market access. However, projections for 2030 highlight opportunities for transformation, with SME contributions to GDP anticipated to rise to 45% and employment shares to 60%, provided reforms in regulatory processes, financing accessibility, and infrastructure investments are prioritized. This questionnaire seeks to capture detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Tanzanian SMEs, aiming to inform strategies that will enhance their contributions to sustainable economic growth.