The Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) made a significant impact at the Nane Nane International Exhibitions 2024, held at the Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma from August 1st to 8th. This year, TAMFI’s participation focused on a critical nexus—promoting social financing for renewable energy technologies and their integration with water solutions, showcasing how these innovations can transform communities across Tanzania.
In collaboration with Davis & Shirtliff, a leading supplier of renewable energy and water technologies in Africa, TAMFI presented an array of solar-powered gadgets and water-pumping equipment designed to meet the needs of Tanzanian communities. The booth drew a diverse crowd, including farmers, government officials, institutions, and students, all eager to explore the potential of solar energy and its crucial role in sustainable water management, water supply and sanitation, and education on the financing options that can be accessed.
TAMFI’s pavilion not only highlighted the benefits of renewable energy, but also demonstrated how these technologies could address water scarcity—a pressing issue in many parts of the country. The showcased solar-powered water pumps and irrigation systems, for instance, illustrated the tangible benefits of combining renewable energy with water solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and improve access to clean water.
The exhibition served as an educational platform, where TAMFI distributed informational materials to raise awareness about the availability of financing options for these integrated technologies. Over 2,000 visitors engaged with TAMFI representatives, showing a strong interest in both solar energy solutions and water management technologies. This interaction was further bolstered by the educational sessions that provided insights into how microfinance institutions can support the adoption of these sustainable technologies.
Arguably, financial education sessions were a big attraction at TAMFI’s booth. The education offered by officials and educational materials distributed stirred interest and keenness to understand more on financial aspects. This demonstrated clearly that there is a strong need of prioritizing financial knowledge by offering financial education. Financial literacy has a critical role in an individual’s ability to recognize a problem and have a desire to resolve it. People are empowered when they can exercise control, make choices that impact themselves and their resources and participate in society. These skills include enhanced ability to express one’s feelings and opinions; to successfully negotiate for one’s needs; to make informed decisions together with others; to face crises with confidence and to be able to engage in forward-planning.
The event also led to concrete outcomes, with several stakeholders placing orders for solar and water technologies from Davis & Shirtliff, marking a successful conversion of interest into action. This response is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of renewable energy and water solutions in driving sustainable development across Tanzania hence aligning with TAMFI’s mission.
TAMFI’s participation in Nane Nane 2024 reinforced its commitment to empowering communities through innovative financing pathways. By fostering access to renewable energy and water technologies, TAMFI is playing a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for countless Tanzanians, particularly in underserved and last-mile communities.