TIRA boosts insurance, education and women’s inclusion

DAR ES SALAAM: IN Tanzania today, women are increasingly at the centre of economic empowerment, playing a vital role from small scale traders to professionals, highlighting the growing need for stronger financial protection systems.

Yet many remain financially vulnerable without adequate protection against risks, a gap that underscores the importance of the insurance sector where the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) is stepping in with a clear strategy.

At the core of TIRA’s approach is a strong emphasis on public education, recognising that awareness is the foundation for increasing insurance uptake.

Many Tanzanians, particularly women in informal sectors have traditionally viewed insurance as complex, costly or unnecessary, while TIRA is working to change this by bringing practical, relatable and accessible insurance education closer to the people.

Speaking during the Women in Finance Conference 2026 organised by the Tanzania Women in Finance Association (TAWiFA) recently in Arusha, the Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Baghayo Saqware expressed TIRA’s commitment to inclusivity within the insurance sector.

He said the Authority is ready to receive and recognise various insurance products specifically designed for women to expand the range of products available in the market.

Dr Saqware explained that this effort aligns with broader national goals of advancing women’s economic empowerment through the financial sector, which is increasingly recognised as a key pillar for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He noted that TIRA has set several priorities, including increasing insurance awareness among Tanzanians to 80 per cent by 2030, with women forming a key target group in this strategy.

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Reinforcing this message, TIRA’s Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Ms Khadija Said called on women participating in the conference under TAWiFA to take a leading role in educating their communities about the importance and use of insurance products.

She emphasised that empowering women with knowledge not only benefits individuals but also strengthens entire communities.

Ms Said noted that the conference, which brought together women from various financial sectors including banks, insurance companies and government institutions, serves as an important platform for sharing experiences, building professional capacity and developing joint strategies for women’s economic empowerment.

She further encouraged women to continue building their knowledge and skills, particularly in financial matters, by embracing learning, innovation and technology to expand opportunities in sectors including insurance.

TIRA’s Manager for Public Relations and Communications, Ms Hadija Maulid emphasised the importance of involving women in the insurance sector, noting that insurance serves as protection against unforeseen risks.

She said that engaging women plays a key role in increasing awareness within communities.

“We believe that platforms such as TAWiFA provide a valuable opportunity to deliver insurance education due to the high level of participation, which will help the sector become more recognised.

As TIRA, our participation in this platform is significant, with more than 40 women taking part in the conference,” Ms Maulid said.

In the continued effort to provide insurance education to women entrepreneurs, TIRA, in collaboration with the Office of the Tanzania Insurance Ombudsman (TIO) participated in the Women in Financial Sector Week, which began on March 22, 2026.

The initiative involved delivering financial education to women entrepreneurs in Arusha, equipping them with practical knowledge on how insurance can be used to protect their businesses and livelihoods.

The programme also included activities such as tree planting, supporting government efforts to address climate change and demonstrating TIRA’s broader commitment to sustainable development.

Insurance Ombudsman Ms Margaret Mngumi used the forum to urge women to insure their businesses against unforeseen risks, assuring them that her office is available to resolve claim disputes through fair and timely mediation.

TIRA’s outreach also extends to young people, recognising that early exposure to financial education is critical in shaping future behaviour.

Through its Northern Zone, the Authority organised and participated in a large insurance education and sports festival at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, attended by more than 300 students.

The event aimed to build capacity among young people by increasing their understanding of insurance and its benefits.

Speaking at the event, TIRA Northern Zone Manager, Dr Emmanuel Lupilya said the initiative enabled students to gain knowledge about various aspects of insurance and understand the importance of taking insurance cover.

He emphasised that insurance is an essential pillar in building a strong economy, not only through financial investment but also by protecting assets, health and society as a whole.

“A society that is educated about insurance cannot place a heavy burden on the government during disasters because risks are transferred to insurance companies that we regulate as an Authority,” Dr Lupilya said.

He added that TIRA is committed to protecting the dreams of all stakeholders, including communities and students, which is why the Authority continues to reach out to educational institutions through both learning and sports activities.

Dr Lupilya further noted that while the initiative started at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, TIRA’s vision is to expand such programmes to all regions and districts under its Northern Zone and beyond.

The long-term goal is to reach more communities, especially those that have not yet been exposed to insurance services, including rural areas where awareness remains low.

He explained that TIRA plans to introduce collaborative agency models within institutions such as colleges, enabling them to participate in insurance outreach and community engagement.

This approach will help ensure that social and economic activities are better protected while also reducing dependency on external financial assistance during times of crisis.

Students who participated in the festival expressed appreciation for TIRA’s initiative, describing it as a model that other institutions and companies should emulate.

Jenifa Jeremiah said the programme significantly improved their understanding of insurance and pledged to act as ambassadors in promoting insurance education within their communities.

Through these combined efforts, TIRA is not only promoting insurance but also transforming how it is perceived and utilised across Tanzania.

By focusing on education, inclusivity, innovation and trust, the Authority is building a strong foundation for a resilient and financially secure society.

By placing women at the centre of its strategy and ensuring that knowledge reaches all corners of the country, TIRA is contributing to a future where Tanzanians are better prepared to face risks and build lasting economic stability.