The government has instructed all councils in the Tabora region to prioritize offering loans to beneficiaries of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) under the Community Development Fund initiative.

Speaking during a visit to TASAF projects last week in the Tabora region, Deputy Minister of State, President's Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Deus Sangu, emphasized that TASAF beneficiaries should be given priority in loan allocation. 

He highlighted that these groups have already received entrepreneurship training through TASAF, making them disciplined borrowers who are capable of repaying loans.

“TASAF equips its beneficiaries to form savings and lending groups while engaging in various entrepreneurial activities to enhance their household economies. The Tabora regional councils should explore ways to ensure these beneficiaries can access loans to boost productivity and further their economic development,” said Sangu.

In addition to discussing the loan program, Sangu addressed the temporary employment initiative for TASAF beneficiaries. 

He explained that the program not only provides wages, helping to alleviate poverty, but also offers an opportunity for participants to gain entrepreneurial skills and knowledge that can support their daily lives.

He also reiterated the rules regarding temporary employment, reminding local leaders that elderly individuals over 65, children under 18, pregnant women, and people with disabilities are not permitted to engage in such jobs.

"Households with young people who have completed Form Six and meet the requirements for higher education should inform TASAF. This will allow these students to obtain letters of recommendation for a 100 percent loan to support their studies," he added.

Tabora Regional Commissioner, Paul Matiko Chacha, praised the significant impact of TASAF in the region. He noted that TASAF has empowered the community economically, with 13,467 beneficiaries joining the Improved Community Health Insurance Fund (CHIF), improving their housing conditions, and establishing mutual lending groups.

TASAF is a government initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards for vulnerable and low-income households in Tanzania. 

Established in 2000, TASAF focuses on providing financial support and various development programs that include conditional cash transfers, community development projects, and capacity-building initiatives.

TASAF is part of Tanzania’s broader social protection strategy to combat poverty and inequality, especially in rural areas. It is funded by both the Tanzanian government and international development partners like the World Bank.