TASAF Empowers 1.3M Tanzanian Households

Over 1.3 Million Households Benefit from TASAF Anti-Poverty Program

Shinyanga, Sunday, April 6, 2025 — More than 1.3 million low-income households across Tanzania have benefitted from the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), a government-led initiative aimed at reducing poverty through targeted subsidies and economic empowerment.

Speaking at a press briefing in Shinyanga Region on Saturday, April 5, 2025, TASAF Communications Officer Christopher Kidanga outlined the significant impact of the program on communities nationwide. The initiative, which supports vulnerable families through educational, health, and income-generating grants, has become a critical pillar in Tanzania’s poverty alleviation strategy.

“These households have received grants for education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. This has significantly contributed to lowering poverty levels in the country,” Kidanga stated.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the national basic needs poverty rate has dropped from 39% to 36%, while food poverty has decreased from 9.2% to 8.0%.

Local Impact in Shinyanga

In the Shinyanga Region alone, 33,691 households have directly benefited from the program. Many recipients have used the funds to build modern homes using durable materials, while others have invested in food supplies and school essentials for their children.

Kidanga further revealed that over TSh 23 billion has been disbursed in the region through production subsidies in three local councils. In addition to grants, TASAF collaborates with financial institutions to offer credit facilities. Among the partners are the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) and FESLIB, through which 15,524 beneficiaries have accessed loans to grow their small businesses and boost economic self-reliance.

Stories of Transformation

Amina Ramadhani, a beneficiary from Ndala Ward, shared how TASAF support transformed her life.

“Before this assistance, I could barely afford one meal a day. I’m thankful to the government for this initiative. When managed wisely, the funds can bear great results. I now run a small fruit business, which keeps money circulating,” she said.

Another former recipient, Pendo Wilson, also from Ndala Ward, graduated from the TASAF program in July 2024 after 15 years of support. Her story is one of remarkable progress.

“Through this initiative, I was able to build a modern home, install a water connection, and I’m now in the process of wiring electricity. Today, we enjoy three meals a day, and my children attend school regularly,” she explained.

Sustained Efforts and National Commitment

Kidanga emphasized that such achievements are the result of close collaboration between the government, citizens, and development partners. He assured the public that further efforts are underway to ensure that every Tanzanian is afforded the opportunity to advance economically.

Established in 2000, TASAF was designed to empower poor households to actively participate in national development. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital tool in the fight against poverty across the country.