DAR ES SALAAM, March 4, 2026 – Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company (TMRC), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, has officially launched new Retail and Wholesale Housing Microfinance products aimed at expanding affordable housing access for low-income households in Tanzania.
The new financial solutions are designed particularly for families working in the informal sector, enabling them to build, improve, or expand their homes affordably.
Supporting Low-Income Families to Access Housing Finance
The launch follows a successful pilot programme implemented with National Bank of Commerce Tanzania and FINCA Microfinance Bank Tanzania, along with regulatory approval from the Bank of Tanzania allowing TMRC to refinance housing microfinance portfolios.
This milestone enables financial institutions to sustainably provide housing loans tailored to underserved households, particularly those who cannot qualify for traditional mortgage financing.
Partnership Driving Innovation in Housing Finance
The initiative stems from a partnership between TMRC and Habitat for Humanity that began in August 2022. The collaboration aims to transform Tanzania’s affordable housing finance landscape through:
- Development of innovative housing finance products
- Strengthening institutional capacity
- Testing commercially viable housing finance models
Technical support for the initiative was provided by the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity that promotes innovative housing market solutions.
What is Housing Microfinance?
Housing microfinance enables families who cannot access conventional mortgages to improve their homes incrementally. These loans are designed for households with irregular incomes or informal employment, allowing them to finance home construction or improvements step-by-step.
TMRC’s Vision for Expanding Home Ownership
Speaking during the launch, TMRC Chief Executive Officer Elibariki Ndossi emphasized the importance of the initiative in supporting home ownership.
“The launched product is part of TMRC’s strategic move to increase home ownership among Tanzanians and a significant step towards assisting the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in enabling access to safe and secure homes, especially for families who have historically been unable to access mortgages,” Ndossi said.
He added that TMRC plays a key role in providing long-term funding to financial institutions, which then extend housing loans to individuals.
“TMRC’s product will be accessible to banks and financial institutions operating in the country with the intention of bringing impact on housing provision through affordable and appropriate financing solutions.”
Expanding Financial Inclusion in Housing
Habitat for Humanity’s Senior Director for Global Housing Finance Systems and Capital Markets, Naeem Razwani, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“While Tanzania's mortgage market continues to show promising growth, formal access remains limited for the majority of the population. TMRC’s strong emphasis on local currency financing is central to progress—it mitigates foreign exchange risks, improves affordability for those earning in Tanzanian shillings, and supports sustainable scaling.”
He added that the partnership—supported by regulatory backing from the Bank of Tanzania—opens new opportunities for both commercial banks and microfinance institutions.
“This launch represents an important step in inclusive housing solutions. It unlocks innovative products that address housing finance needs for a significant share of the population, particularly low- and middle-income households in the informal economy.”
How the Model Works
As a wholesale lender, TMRC will provide capital to participating financial institutions, enabling them to offer housing microfinance loans while maintaining financial sustainability.
The initiative also aims to mobilize:
- Government agencies
- Development partners
- Financial institutions
to support the long-term expansion of affordable housing solutions across Tanzania.
Lessons from the Pilot Programme
During the pilot phase, partner institutions including NBC and FINCA Microfinance Bank tested housing microfinance products tailored for low-income customers. Insights gained from the pilot helped shape the final product structure now being introduced to the wider market.
About Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company (TMRC)
Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company is a specialized private-sector financial institution that provides long-term funding to financial institutions for mortgage lending.
Since its establishment, TMRC has helped extend mortgage tenors in Tanzania from 5–7 years in 2011 to up to 25 years today.
TMRC operates as a wholesale lender, meaning it:
- Does not take deposits
- Does not lend directly to individuals
- Refinances mortgage portfolios of financial institutions
For more information, visit: www.tmrc.co.tz
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit housing organization founded in 1976. The organization works in more than 70 countries, including nine in Africa, with the mission of ensuring everyone has a decent and affordable place to live.
Through financial support, volunteering, and advocacy, Habitat helps families build the strength, stability, and self-reliance needed for better lives.
Learn more at habitat.org/Africa
About the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter
The Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter supports housing market systems by working with local firms to expand innovative housing products, services, and financing solutions.
Its goal is to make housing markets more effective for people in need of safe and affordable shelter, improving living standards for low-income households worldwide.
Learn more at habitat.org/tcis
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