The banking and finance sector in Tanzania is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Anchored by digital innovation, regulatory reforms, and increased financial inclusivity, this sector is driving significant economic growth. An exploration of its current landscape, challenges, and opportunities.

Sector Growth and Digital Transformation

By 2024, Tanzania's banking assets reached TZS 43 trillion (USD 18 billion), equivalent to 20% of the GDP. This growth has been powered by a surge in mobile banking, which saw a 116% increase in mobile accounts between 2019 and 2024. As of 2024, mobile money accounts exceeded 55.8 million, with monthly transactions surpassing 310 million. By 2030, these accounts are projected to grow to 90 million, marking a pivotal shift towards digital financial services.

Financial Inclusivity

The financial inclusion rate in Tanzania rose from 16% in 2009 to 70% in 2024, driven by mobile and microfinance services. Urban areas boast 85% financial access, but rural regions lag at 55%, reflecting significant disparities. The government aims for a 75% inclusion rate by 2025 and an ambitious 90% by 2030.

Challenges in the Sector

Despite the impressive growth, Tanzania’s banking sector faces critical challenges:

• High Compliance Costs: Stringent regulations have increased operational expenses by 20%, impacting profitability.
• Rural Access: A lack of physical bank branches in rural areas leaves many reliant on mobile banking.
• Lending Rates: High average interest rates (16%) restrict SMEs' access to affordable credit, stifling private sector growth.

Opportunities for Investment

1. Digital and Mobile Banking: Projected to grow at 12% annually, this sector offers vast potential for fintech and infrastructure investments.
2. SME Financing: With SMEs comprising over 90% of businesses but only 16% accessing formal finance, the loan market is poised for a 10% annual growth.
3. Green Financing: This emerging sector, targeting eco-friendly projects, is expected to grow by 15% yearly, particularly in agriculture and renewable energy.

Future Outlook

By 2030, Tanzania’s banking landscape will likely host 60-65 banks, with microfinance representing 30% of total assets. With streamlined regulations and targeted digital literacy programs, financial inclusivity could rise to 85-90%. Investment in key sectors like digital banking, SME financing, and green financing is anticipated to create a competitive, resilient, and inclusive banking environment.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s banking sector is at the cusp of transformative growth. Addressing compliance challenges, bridging urban-rural disparities, and fostering innovations in digital finance will be critical. With the right investments and policy adjustments, the sector is well-positioned to drive inclusive economic development and solidify Tanzania's leadership in East Africa's financial landscape.

Digital loans have experienced significant growth in Tanzania, driven by mobile technology, increased phone ownership, and partnerships between banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile network operators (MNOs).

Key Statistics

1. Total Number of Digital Loan Accounts:
   • The number of digital loan accounts in Tanzania skyrocketed by 198% from 32.09 million in 2022 to 95.89 million in 2023.
   • This dramatic increase highlights a growing trend of digital borrowing, especially among low-income and rural populations who find traditional banking inaccessible.
2. Amount of Digital Credit Issued:
   • The total amount of digital credit issued in Tanzania surged from TZS 26.79 billion in 2022 to TZS 126.03 billion in 2023, marking a 370% increase.
   • This indicates that while the number of loans has grown significantly, the total value of loans issued has also risen, suggesting an increasing demand for larger loans.
3. Demographic Trends:
   • Men represent 66.5% of all digital loan borrowers, while women account for 33.5%. However, the number of women accessing digital loans is steadily increasing, indicating greater financial empowerment among women.
   • Youth and young adults (primarily those aged 18–35) make up a large proportion of digital loan borrowers, as they are more likely to use mobile phones and digital financial services.
4. Active Mobile Money Accounts:
   • The increase in mobile money accounts (from 38.34 million in 2022 to 51.72 million in 2023) has contributed to the growth of digital loan services, as digital loan products are typically linked to mobile wallets.
   • The growth in mobile money accounts and the availability of National Identification Numbers (NINs) have made it easier for more people to access mobile financial services.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Technology and Mobile Penetration:
   • The expansion of 3G and 4G network coverage and the increased availability of smartphones have made digital loans more accessible to Tanzanians, particularly in rural areas.
   • The ease of instant loans via mobile platforms has allowed users to access credit without needing a bank account or physical collateral.
2. Partnerships between Banks and MNOs:
   • Many financial institutions have partnered with mobile network operators (MNOs) to offer digital loans. These partnerships leverage MNOs' extensive mobile money networks, enabling quicker disbursement and repayment of loans.
   • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers, allowing for faster loan approval processes based on transaction history and mobile phone usage.
3. Government Support:
   • Regulatory changes by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and other financial authorities have helped create a favorable environment for digital lending, supporting the development of mobile loan platforms and enhancing financial inclusion.

Impact of Digital Loans

1. Financial Inclusion:
   • Digital loans have significantly improved financial inclusion by providing access to credit for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas where traditional banks have limited reach.
   • The increased access to instant loans has enabled individuals to meet urgent financial needs, such as healthcare, education, or emergency expenses.
2. Economic Growth:
   • By giving small businesses and individuals access to capital, digital loans contribute to economic activity, especially for MSMEs and entrepreneurs who may otherwise struggle to access credit from traditional financial institutions.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Challenges:
   • Despite their growth, digital loans often carry high-interest rates, which can burden borrowers, especially those in low-income segments.
   • There is also concern over the sustainability of digital lending models, as some borrowers may struggle to repay loans on time, leading to over-indebtedness.
2. Opportunities:
   • The growth of digital credit presents opportunities for further product innovation in micro-lending, especially targeting women and youth.
   • There is potential for regulatory improvements to balance the rapid growth of digital lending with consumer protection to ensure long-term stability and sustainability.

Conclusion

The surge in digital loans in Tanzania, with a 198% increase in loan accounts and a 370% rise in the value of loans, demonstrates the country's rapid adoption of mobile financial services. While digital loans have opened up new opportunities for financial inclusion, they also present challenges related to affordability and long-term sustainability. Continued innovation, coupled with regulatory oversight, will be key to maximizing the benefits of digital lending in Tanzania's evolving financial landscape.

Event Description:

Join us for an engaging event to discuss the ambitious 2025-2027 program aimed at transforming Tanzania’s business and investment ecosystem. This initiative, with a proposed budget of More than TZS 100 Billion, focuses on fostering SME development, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and accelerating digital transformation to drive sustainable economic growth.

Key Topics of Discussion:

• Enhancing SME access to finance and support services.
• Streamlining regulatory processes to reduce compliance costs.
• Accelerating digital adoption in business processes.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships and dialogue.

This is a unique opportunity for government representatives, development partners, private sector leaders, and stakeholders to collaborate on high-impact, cost-effective interventions that will catalyze growth and innovation in Tanzania.

Event Details:

• Date: 20th December 2024
• Time: 10:30 AM-12:00 (EAT)
• Location: Online (details provided upon registration)

Why Attend?

• Explore collaborative opportunities in SME growth, innovation, and formalization.
• Gain insights into the roadmap for regulatory reform and business environment improvements.
• Network with key players shaping Tanzania’s economic future.

How to Register:

Secure your spot today by registering via WhatsApp: +255 734 862 343

Growth, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Introduction

The banking and finance sector in Tanzania has transformed significantly over the past two decades, with growth fueled by regulatory changes, digital innovations, and increased foreign investment. By 2023, the sector included 49 licensed banks and a growing number of microfinance institutions, collectively managing assets of TZS 43 trillion (USD 18 billion), which represents about 20% of Tanzania’s GDP. This article explores the sector's current landscape, the challenges it faces, and its projected growth through 2030.

Sector Growth and Digital Transformation

Tanzania’s financial landscape has embraced digital banking, with mobile money playing a pivotal role. From 25.8 million accounts in 2019, mobile money has surged by 116.2%, reaching over 55.8 million accounts by 2024. Monthly transactions now exceed 310.9 million, driven by platforms like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money. Mobile banking has also greatly improved financial inclusivity, raising the rate of financial access to 70% in 2024, up from just 16% in 2009.

While financial access is extensive in urban areas (85%), it lags in rural areas at 55%, highlighting the need for further expansion efforts. Despite digital strides, many rural residents still lack sufficient banking services, with mobile banking being the only viable option for some remote regions.

Challenges Facing the Sector

1. Regulatory and Compliance Costs: Compliance, especially with anti-money laundering (AML) and capital requirements, has added over 20% to operational expenses for banks. These high costs, combined with complex regulations, can be particularly burdensome for smaller banks and microfinance institutions.
2. Rural Financial Access Gaps: Limited branch networks in rural areas make mobile banking essential, yet 30% of the population still lacks access to formal financial services. Developing alternative delivery models will be crucial to bridging this divide.
3. High Lending Rates: With loan interest rates averaging 16%, credit access is limited, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up 90% of Tanzania’s businesses but only 16% have formal financing. This restricts the growth potential of private businesses.

Investment Opportunities

The banking sector’s future promises numerous investment opportunities:

• Digital and Mobile Banking: Mobile money transactions are projected to exceed 10 billion by 2030, with the digital banking sector expected to grow at an annual rate of 12%. Opportunities abound for investors in fintech infrastructure to support this growth.
• SME Financing: The SME loan market is anticipated to grow by 10% annually, reflecting unmet demand in a largely underserved business segment.
• Green Financing: Driven by environmental sustainability goals, green financing for agriculture and energy projects is forecasted to grow by 15% annually, providing opportunities for investors focused on eco-friendly initiatives.

Future Outlook: Banking in Tanzania by 2030

By 2030, Tanzania’s banking sector aims to become more inclusive and competitive, with 90% of adults expected to have access to financial services. The number of mobile money accounts could reach 90 million, and microfinance institutions are projected to hold 30% of the sector’s total assets. Increased competition among banks, regulatory improvements, and enhanced digital literacy initiatives are essential to achieving this ambitious vision.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Despite its growth, Tanzania’s banking sector faces several challenges, particularly in compliance costs, financial literacy, and rural access. To achieve a more inclusive, competitive landscape, it’s crucial to streamline regulatory frameworks, promote incentives for rural financial inclusion, and invest in digital infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Tanzania can position its banking sector as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering on the promise of accessible and sustainable financial services for all.