About Watu Tanzania
Watu Tanzania is an asset financing company helping more people access the tools they need to work, connect and build better livelihoods.
Established in Tanzania in 2021 and licensed as a Tier 2 microfinance service provider, Watu Tanzania provides financing for motorcycles, three-wheelers and smartphones. These assets support mobility, income generation, communication and participation in the digital economy.
Over the past five years, Watu Tanzania has grown from its first operations in Dar es Salaam into a nationwide business serving customers across all 26 regions. Its services are delivered through a network of branches, dealers, agents and commercial partners, supported by technology that makes financing and account management simpler for customers.
At the heart of the business is a straightforward idea: when people can access the right tools, they can create more opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.
What We Do
Watu Tanzania provides financing for motorcycles and three-wheelers, including petrol, gas and electric models. For commercial riders, transport operators and small business owners, these vehicles can provide a direct source of income and a pathway to greater financial independence.
Financing allows customers to acquire an asset without having to pay the full purchase price upfront. Watu Tanzania works closely with dealers, manufacturers and mobility partners to make the process practical, from application and approval through to asset collection and ongoing support.
The company is also growing its financing for electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, supporting the shift towards cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions in Tanzania.
Smartphone financing is another important part of Watu Tanzania’s work. Today, a smartphone is not only a way to stay connected. It can also help someone receive payments, manage a business, access information, communicate with customers, study online or use essential digital services.
By reducing the upfront cost of acquiring a smartphone, Watu Tanzania helps more customers access devices that may otherwise remain out of reach.
Customers can also manage their financing through the Watu App. The app allows them to make repayments through mobile money, view account balances, check payment information, unlock financed devices and monitor their repayment schedules.
Technology makes the process more convenient, but local support remains an important part of the customer experience. Watu Tanzania’s branches, agents, dealers and support teams help customers understand financing requirements, complete applications and get assistance when needed.
The company also works with regulators, TAMFI and other industry stakeholders to support responsible financing, customer protection and the continued development of Tanzania’s microfinance sector.
Five Years of Impact
Watu Tanzania marked five years of operations on 28 June 2026, followed by a commemorative event at the Superdome in Masaki on 29 June.
Held under the theme “Kila Mtu Ni Watu,” the event brought together government and regulatory representatives, partners, customers, members of the media and Watu employees to reflect on the company’s journey and the people behind it.
Over its first five years, Watu Tanzania has:
● Deployed more than TZS 700 billion in credit
● Financed more than 1.5 million smartphones
● Financed approximately 70,000 motorcycles and three-wheelers
● Expanded its services across all 26 regions of Tanzania
● Built a team of more than 500 employees, with women representing approximately 43% of the workforce
Behind these numbers are customers using financed assets in different ways.
For one customer, a motorcycle may mean a daily income and greater independence. For another, a smartphone may make it easier to receive payments, run a small business, stay connected or access information and services.
The scale of Watu Tanzania’s growth reflects the demand for financing that is practical, accessible and designed around how people live and earn.
Watu Tanzania’s wider contribution also extends to employment, taxation and partnerships with local dealers, agents, distributors and service providers. The company’s work supports commercial activity across transport, trade, services and the digital economy.
Its contribution has also received recognition. In 2026, Watu Tanzania was named Microfinance Company of the Year in the Large Company Category at the Africa Company of the Year Awards. The company has also received recognition from the Tanzania Revenue Authority for its contribution as a taxpayer.
Reflecting on the company’s first five years and the journey ahead, Seuri Kuoko said:
“Tanzania’s financial inclusion journey must reflect how people actually live, work and earn. Over the past five years, Watu Tanzania has helped more customers access the tools they need to move, connect and create opportunities for themselves. As we look ahead, our focus is to reach more communities, continue improving the customer experience and grow responsibly alongside our partners.”
Looking Ahead
As Watu Tanzania enters its next chapter, the focus remains on reaching more customers, improving the financing experience and expanding access to useful, productive assets.
The company will continue investing in technology, customer support and partnerships while growing its work across mobility, connectivity and more sustainable transport solutions.
Through continued collaboration with regulators, TAMFI, manufacturers, telecommunications providers, dealers and other partners, Watu Tanzania aims to contribute to a more connected, inclusive and economically active Tanzania.
Five years on, the idea behind the business remains simple: give more people access to the tools they need to move forward.
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