KIZIMKAZI, ZANZIBAR — September 4, 2026
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been placed at the centre of Tanzania’s and Zanzibar’s development ambitions towards 2050, with the financial sector expected to play a critical role in expanding access to finance and creating economic opportunities.
This was among the key messages emerging from the Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) Research and Financial Inclusion Conference 2026, held from September 3–4, 2026 at Kwanza Resort Hotel in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar.
The two-day conference brought together financial-sector leaders, researchers, government officials, regulators, academics, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss banking research, financial inclusion and access to finance for MSMEs.
MSMEs KEY TO 2050 DEVELOPMENT VISIONS
Speaking at the conference, Hon. Dr. Hamad Omar Bakari, Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, said Tanzania’s economic growth continues to be driven by increased production and national output, with the financial sector playing an important role in ensuring that the benefits of this growth reach a broader segment of society.
He emphasised that achieving the objectives outlined in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 requires MSMEs to remain at the centre of the development agenda because of their contribution to production, trade, employment and a wide range of economic activities.
“The Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 place MSMEs at the heart of building an inclusive and prosperous nation with sustainable development,” the Deputy Minister said.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION REMAINS CRITICAL
The conference also highlighted progress in expanding access to financial services, while recognising that significant gaps remain in ensuring individuals and businesses can effectively use those services.
Participants noted the close relationship between economic growth, financial-sector development and financial inclusion. When economic growth is accompanied by expanded and effective use of financial services, individuals and businesses are better positioned to participate in formal economic activities.
For MSMEs, access to appropriate and affordable financial services can strengthen business capacity, support investment, facilitate expansion and contribute to employment creation and broader economic development.
FOCUS ON MSME FINANCING, DIGITAL LENDING AND INNOVATION
The conference was held under the theme:
“Transforming MSME Financing for Sustainable Development: Policy Reforms, Innovation, and Opportunities.”
The theme underscored the need for policy reforms, innovation and the utilisation of emerging opportunities to improve access to finance for MSMEs and support sustainable development.
Throughout the conference, participants examined research evidence and emerging challenges affecting MSME financing, financial inclusion, digital lending, policy and regulation.
Discussions covered mobile lending and MSME financing, SME credit performance, regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms for youth-led businesses, as well as approaches to strengthening partnerships and ecosystems that support MSME growth.
RESEARCH TO INFORM FINANCIAL-SECTOR POLICY
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, research findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening the business environment and expanding access to financial services.
It also reinforced the importance of ensuring that research and evidence continue to inform policy and decision-making across the financial sector.
According to the conference discussions, placing MSMEs at the heart of the development agenda requires continued efforts to build an enabling environment connecting policy, financial institutions, insurance, technology, innovation and businesses.
Stronger linkages among these areas can help MSMEs access finance, manage risks, adopt technology, expand their businesses and become an integral part of the formal and sustainable economy.
COLLABORATION KEY TO SUSTAINABLE MSME FINANCING
The conference was supported by Mastercard as the Main Sponsor, alongside other partners whose support contributed to bringing together stakeholders from across the financial sector, government, academia and the wider development ecosystem.
The event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among government, regulators, financial institutions, researchers, development partners, technology providers and businesses in developing practical solutions to the financing challenges facing MSMEs.
The Tanzania Bankers Association continues to use research and sector dialogue platforms to bring together financial-sector stakeholders to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and explore practical solutions that can strengthen the financial sector and contribute to Tanzania’s economic development.
ABOUT TBA
The Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) is the voice of the banking sector in Tanzania. The Association brings together banks and other stakeholders to promote collaboration, research, policy dialogue and initiatives that contribute to the development of a strong, inclusive and sustainable financial sector.
Keep following Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog for more updates on Tanzania’s banking, financial services, business and economic developments.
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