Dodoma

Deodat Benard, the Renewable Energy Project Officer at TAMFI, spoke at length during the Nane Nane exhibition about the organization’s focus on renewable energy solutions through microfinance. He highlighted TAMFI’s renewable energy initiative, funded by Fondation Botnar, which aims to make solar and clean energy technologies accessible to the public through innovative microfinance loan products.

“Our project is designed to promote the use of clean energy technologies, especially solar power, among our TAMFI members,” Benard said. “We want to ensure that microfinance institutions can create loan products that make these technologies available to users, particularly those involved in productive sectors, so they can use solar energy to improve their efficiency and reduce operational costs.”

Benard emphasized the goal of TAMFI’s participation in Nane Nane, explaining, “Our main purpose in coming here is to raise awareness among the public about solar energy and other renewable technologies. We want people to understand how microfinance institutions can help provide loans to access these technologies and how, in turn, these technologies can help them increase production and efficiency.”

The project doesn’t stop with exhibitions. Benard noted, “It’s not just here at Nane Nane where we promote these technologies. We also conduct training and take our members on site visits to see how these solar technologies are working in real-life scenarios. We evaluate the efficiency, identify challenges, and see how users are benefiting from solar energy.”

With a network of 150 to 200 microfinance institutions, serving over 2 million clients annually, TAMFI is pushing hard to integrate solar technologies into loan offerings. Benard stressed, “We are advocating for our microfinance members to understand these solar technologies and how they can incorporate them into their loan products. The government is pushing for renewable technologies to fight climate change and increase efficiency, and we are right behind them, making sure our institutions are ready to support this effort.”

Benard also highlighted partnerships with key players in the renewable energy sector. “We are collaborating with partners like Davis & Shirtliff, who provide durable solar products,” he said. “We want our microfinance institutions to form partnerships with these providers, ensuring their clients receive high-quality, reliable solar solutions.”

He reiterated TAMFI’s commitment to promoting renewable energy: “We’re here to support both the lower-income population and those involved in the production, ensuring they have access to sustainable energy solutions that not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to the greater national effort of combating climate change.”