TANZANIA Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) and AIRTEL Tanzania have forged a groundbreaking three-year partnership to bolster and revolutionize agricultural sector productivity, paving the way for unprecedented growth and prosperity in the industry.

The aim of the agreement is to empower and uplift the agricultural sector by fostering financial inclusivity among vital stakeholders, such as small-scale farmers, as well as empowering rural microenterprises, particularly women and youth.

During the signing ceremony held recently in Dar es Salaam, Airtel Tanzania Director General, Dinesh Balsingh, emphasized the partnership as a testament to Airtel Tanzania's unwavering commitment to supporting government initiatives that aim to significantly improve the lives of Tanzanians.

 “We are highly committed to supporting Tanzanians through innovations in the telecommunications sector, As Tanzania’s technology is advancing farmers deserve to be one of the groups benefitting from this growth," he said.

"Our partnership between further aims at realizing benefits by addressing challenges faced by farmers through the use of several digital products and agri-fintech innovations that will unfold new markets for farmers in both urban and rural areas. Such products will empower farmers’ productivity and enhance their income,” he added.

Balsingh said the Airtel and TADB partnership directly connects with the vision of the President Samia Suluhu Hassan of achieving 10 percent annual growth rate in the Agricultural sector by 2030.

 “With over 70 percent of the population being employed in the Agricultural sector, it is without a doubt that agriculture continues to be among the key drivers of Tanzania’s economic growth.” he said.

 TADB Managing Director Frank Nyabundege said that the Airtel and TADB collaboration will open doors for untapped potentials in the agricultural sector.

He said the partnership provide a platform for farmers to resolve issues about their daily activities putting ends to different challenges. 

“The Airtel and TADB partnership aim to drive sustainable growth within the agricultural sector. The signing of MoU is the beginning of an unforgettable financial chapter that will be a game changer for farmers across Tanzania,” he said said.

Nyabundege said the collaboration go hand in hand to solve financial shortcomings as President Samia Suluhu Hassan noted during a stakeholder meeting at COP28 on December 4, 2023.

He said, “We need to change and do sustainable agriculture by supporting various innovations that are compatible with the current situation.”