Financial services for informal sector entrepreneurs
Tanzania, 2007
Social Issue
Despite the economic growth caused by gold mining and tourism, Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 36% of Tanzanians live below the poverty line.
One out of three Tanzanians is self-employed, which indicates a high level of micro-business activity. However, only 20% of the population has access to a traditional bank and it is commonly an hour walk from home.
Our Response
BRAC Tanzania, the microfinance entity receiving the loan, has 30 branches spread across five regions: Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Arusha and Tanga.
Although it is a new organisation in Tanzania, BRAC has more than 40 years of experience in other countries serving the poorest from their local communities. 100% of its credits go to women, with special emphasis on those who are responsible for children in a precarious situation.
Expected Social Impact
It is expected that 2,964 microcredits can be offered annually with an average value of €87. The impact over the three years of the project is estimated at 8,892 microloans.