3rd September – 4th September 2026
The TBA Research and Financial Inclusion Conference, held from 3rd to 4th September 2026 in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, was a truly remarkable and memorable event, one that will remain in our minds for a long time.
This year’s Research Conference marked the 2nd TBA Research Conference since the Tanzania Bankers Association(TBA) began implementing this initiative. The event was held alongside the 4th Financial Inclusion Conference, while the TBA Gala Dinner culminated the Association’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.
The conference programme was rich and engaging, featuring 9 research papers, alongside other important presentations and discussions covering critical issues affecting Tanzania’s and Africa’s financial sector.
The Tanzania and Zanzibar Development Visions towards 2050 have placed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the centre of efforts to build an inclusive economy, with the financial sector expected to continue playing a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding economic opportunities.
This was highlighted during the Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) Research and Financial Inclusion Conference 2026, held at Kwanza Resort Hotel, Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region, Zanzibar, where stakeholders convened to discuss banking research, financial inclusion and access to finance for MSMEs.
Speaking at the conference, Hon. Dr. Hamad Omar Bakari, The Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar said Tanzania’s economic growth continues to be driven by increased production and national output, with the financial sector playing an important role in ensuring that the benefits of this growth reach a broader segment of society.
He explained that achieving the development objectives outlined in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 requires placing MSMEs at the centre of the development agenda, given their important contribution to production, trade, employment and a wide range of economic activities. “The Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 place MSMEs at the heart of building an inclusive and prosperous nation with sustainable development.”
According to the speaker, achieving the objectives of the two development visions will require an enabling environment that allows MSMEs to grow and participate meaningfully in the economy.
The research papers presented were:
Mobile Lending, MSME Financing, and Monetary Stability in Africa: Does Digital Credit Deepen Inclusion or Amplify Financial Fragility? by Dr. Lusekelo Kasongwa – Mzumbe University
Effect of Compliance with Credit Reference Bureau Regulations on SME Loan Performance among Financial Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa by Upendo Jaka – Senior Manager, TCB Bank
Beyond Collateral: An Ecosystem-Based Development Finance Model for Youth-Led Enterprise Financing in Tanzania by Mr. Deogratius Kwiyukwa– Managing Director, TIB Development Bank; Dr. Hildebrand Shayo Mrema – Manager, TIB Development Bank presented by Allan Chonjo
Digital Savings, Credit, and Payments as Drivers of SME Growth: A Case of Women Entrepreneurs in Mwanza City by Dr. Bupe Mwakyusa – Institute of Finance Management (IFM)
What Drives Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ Utilization of Financial Products? Comparative Evidence from Kenya and Tanzania by Dr. Samuel Tiriongo (PhD) & Mr. Hillary S. Mulindi – Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)
The Effects of Food Export Restrictions on Commercial Bank Lending to the Agriculture Sector in Tanzania: A Time Series Analysis from 1994–2024 by Dr. Rugazia Nyombi – Lecturer, MNMA
Board Governance and Financial Technology Adoption: Heterogeneous Effects Across Commercial Banks in Tanzania by Dr. Omary J. Ally – BOT Academy
Do Perceived High Tax Rates Reduce Firm Productivity? The Moderating Role of Access to Finance: Firm-Level Evidence from Tanzania Mr. Ronald Ochen – Uganda Bankers Association (UBA)
Macroeconomic Instability and SME Financial Performance: Evidence on Liquidity Stress and Credit Transmission Mechanisms in Tanzania by Dr. William George – University of Dodoma
Congratulations to all paper authors who contributed to making this conference a success.
The papers presented provided valuable insights into MSME financing, digital financial services, financial inclusion, sustainable finance, credit information, agriculture financing, governance, taxation, and macroeconomic stability.
CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER FINANCIAL SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS
The conference brought together researchers, financial-sector leaders, banks, government institutions, academics and other stakeholders to examine research evidence and challenges related to MSME financing, financial inclusion, digital lending, policy and regulation.
Through these discussions, participants had an opportunity to exchange experiences, research findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening the business environment and expanding access to financial services.
As TBA marks three decades of contribution to Tanzania’s banking industry, the Association continues to promote initiatives that support inclusive economic development, financial awareness and greater participation in the formal financial system.
Thanks to Our Sponsor Mastercard, IF Group, East Africa Reinsurance, NIC, FSDT.
