From the sun-baked shores of Dar es Salaam to the cold, misty highlands of the Southern region, TAMFI’s recent Strategic Project Monitoring tour was a testament to the vast geographical reach and impact of our association. Our journey takes us through the winding roads of the Kitonga Mountain range, across the endless tree plantations of Iringa, and from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the majestic expanse of Lake Tanganyika. This journey paints a vivid picture of TAMFI’s members’ widespread presence, stretching from Tanzania’s eastern borders to its southern and western frontiers.

The Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Project Team, accompanied by our CEO, embarked on this extensive tour, visiting key financial institutions (FIs) that have been pivotal in driving the project’s success. We were warmly hosted by MUCOBA Bank in Mufindi, WINCHI Microfinance in Mbeya, Amortize Microfinance in Tunduma, Anastella Microfinance, and Rukwa Farmers in Rukwa. These institutions have shown remarkable commitment, with some experiencing a staggering product growth of nearly fivefold in just 17 months—a clear indicator of the impact and potential of the Water and Supply Project.

Project success in these FIs was also evident when we visited the beneficiaries. Mothers now take pride in their improved, cleaner, and more hygienic toilets and bathrooms, no longer fearing for their children’s safety when they use these facilities. Health expenses have decreased due to a reduction in sicknesses, underscoring the project’s positive impact on families’ well-being.

In addition to these successes, some FIs have collaborated with local government initiatives that advocate for a cleaner environment. This collaboration has fostered positive community buy-in, leading to the widespread upgrading of toilets and bathrooms with clean water bucket systems for handwashing.

However, this success has not come without challenges. Some FIs have faced significant financing gaps, compelling them to make difficult decisions, including selling properties or using personal assets as collateral to secure financing from commercial banks. Despite these hurdles, the resilience and teamwork demonstrated by these institutions have been nothing short of inspiring. The enthusiasm and dedication of the sales staff and loan officers have played a crucial role in the success of the project.

As an association, TAMFI is immensely proud of the achievements of these financial institutions. Their efforts not only highlight the potential of microfinance in Tanzania, but also reinforce our commitment to supporting and empowering our members. We look forward to seeing continued success and further growth as we build on the foundations laid during this strategic monitoring visit.

We invite NGOs, CSOs, development partners and other financial institutions with similar missions to join us in this transformative social and financial initiative. Together, we can expand our impact, ensuring that more communities across Tanzania and beyond have access to the resources and support they need to improve their living conditions and health outcomes. By collaborating, we can create a sustainable future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.