Zanzibar VP urges TIRA to expand insurance awareness as Pemba regional office opens
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has called on the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) to intensify insurance awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas, saying greater public understanding is essential for increasing the use of insurance services and supporting economic development.
Speaking during the official launch of TIRA’s Pemba Regional Office in Chake Chake today, Abdulla said the new office would bring insurance services closer to residents, businesses and institutions across Pemba, making them more accessible while strengthening the growth of the insurance sector.
He noted that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for the financial sector, including insurance, to thrive and contribute to economic growth and the welfare of citizens. He urged TIRA to extend insurance education to rural communities to ensure more people understand the importance and benefits of insurance.
The newly inaugurated regional office, located at Karafuu House in Chake Chake, marks another step in TIRA’s strategy to decentralise its services and improve insurance regulation across the country.
Speaking at the event, Insurance Commissioner Dr Baghayo Saqware said the opening of the Pemba Regional Office forms part of TIRA’s broader plan to bring insurance services closer to the public while strengthening oversight of the industry nationwide.
He said the office will improve access to insurance education, enhance consumer protection, simplify the registration and supervision of insurance service providers, and enable faster handling of complaints related to insurance services.
Dr Saqware added that TIRA will continue working closely with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, insurance companies and other stakeholders to ensure residents of Pemba have access to insurance products tailored to key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, trade, health and property.
He said the office is also expected to increase public participation in insurance services, contributing to the economic growth of Pemba and Zanzibar as a whole.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, TIRA leadership, representatives of insurance companies, financial institutions, religious leaders, businesspeople and other stakeholders in the insurance sector.
The establishment of the Pemba Regional Office underscores TIRA’s commitment to improving access to quality insurance services by ensuring they are delivered efficiently and closer to where Tanzanians live and conduct their economic activities.
