ZANZIBAR Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) has launched digital loan services to help residents access funds quickly and grow their businesses.

As the process begins, officials responsible for handling loan applications through the special groups funds in Pemba have been urged to be careful when using the online loan application system.

This was stated at the weekend by loan officer at ZEEA Suleiman Ali Hamad during the opening of a training for officers from councils as well as beneficiary groups namely youth, women and people with disabilities.

Hamad mentioned that the entire loan application process will now be done online as opposed to using paper applications as was the case in the past. This change will make it easier for citizens to receive funds on time.

"The   training is meant to ensure beneficiaries’ understand how to apply for loans online. We believe those receiving training will go on to teach others," he said.

ZEEA Pemba office coordinator, Haji Mohamed Haji, explained that one of the requirements for applying for loans online is for the group to be registered and applicants must possess Zanzibar resident IDs.

Zuwena Abdalla Suleiman, savings and loans officer from Pemba Cooperative Development Department, noted that when registering for cooperative society, group leaders must meet specific qualifications.

"If one of the leaders fails to meet the requirements, the group must amend its constitution by replacing the leader who does not meet the qualifications. This is why we are providing education to ensure everyone meets the necessary criteria, including having Zanzibar resident IDs," she said.

Majid Makilla, inclusive finance officer from Airpay Tanzania, mentioned that they have developed the system with ZEEA to facilitate digital loan disbursements to Zanzibar residents. 

"We will create a video that shows every step to be followed from the beginning to the end, to guide people on how to apply for loans through this new system we've developed," he said.