TAMFI members’ institutions loan portfolio tops 800 billion
The microfinance institutions associated with TAMFI are serving about
1,000,000 customers with loans of over 800 billion, it has been disclosed.
This was disclosed at Tanzania Institute of Microfinance Institutions
(TAMFI) General Meeting at Ubungo Plaza yesterday (Thursday 1st August).
TAMFI chair Mr. Edmund P. Mkwawa said “when we met here last year we had
48 member institutions that were serving approximately 800,000 clients
loans worth TZS 600 billion.
Today we have 65 member institutions and the number of clients close to
1,000,000 and a portfolio above TZS 800 billion in 2012/13. Increase of
member base is a very good indicator that Microfinance Institutions realize
the value of being together and benefitting on services offered by TAMFI,”
he said.
He said that Microfinance practitioners have a task of ensuring reach to
the unbanked.
He promised that TAMFI would continue to facilitate the creation of an
enabling environment for development of a sustainable microfinance industry
in Tanzania through participation of all stakeholders.
“ TAMFI is uniquely placed to strengthen the microfinance industry as it
speaks collectively for a growing membership base.”
In the past two years the body had successful engagements with various
stakeholders at national and international level to accomplish targeted
activities.
“TAMFIs involvement in ensuring a better business environment for MFIs, is
being financed by Best-Ac and FSDT. The main aspects of this project
include, one, the review of the National Microfinance Policy, and second
the establishment of the Microfinance Act,’ Mr. Edmund P. Mkwawa said.
The body also has a long term relationship with Savings Bank for
International Cooperation (SBFIC) for building skills and knowledge of
member MFIs.
TAMFI is engaged in the Microfinance Technical Committee hosted by Bank of
Tanzania under Financial Sector Programme (FSP). The involvement of TAMFI
in this committee has given us a chance to contribute to the development of
SACCOS and Zanzibar Microfinance Policy.
With support from Microfinance Center, based in Poland, 6 MFIs have been
involved in developing compliance on two standards; Define and monitor
social goals and Treat Clients responsibly.
He said that TAMFI also encouraged members to report internationally on the
mix market- from 4 to 14 last year and expect more institiutions to be
willing and able to share information in the MIX Market.
“Our visibility has grown with our increased interaction with BoT, The
German Savings Bank for International Cooperation (SBFIC), Social
Performance Task Force, FSDT and East African Microfinance Regional
network,” he said.
TAMFI advocates for responsible and fair practices so as to ensure that
Microfinance services are provided in a manner that benefits clients, and
are delivered in an ethical and dignified way. TAMFI therefore will
continue to endorse aspects of self-regulations.
Statistical data supports evidence in every way. TAMFI wants to maintain
member’s information which can be accessed for studies, research and
others.
End