TASAF empowering vulnerable groups as Tanzania marks 64 years of independence

DAR ES SALAAM: As Tanzania commemorates 64 years of independence, the nation is also reflecting on the enduring vision of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who identified poverty, ignorance and disease as the three key enemies hindering development. Decades later, the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) remains at the forefront of confronting these challenges by uplifting poor and vulnerable households across the country.

Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), TASAF’s work stands out for its direct support to persons with disabilities, enabling them to secure income, access basic needs and participate meaningfully in community life.

Lifting the vulnerable

In Zanzibar, Khadija Salum of Mwanyanya – Magharibi A recounts how TASAF agents reached her village with registration information. She says the programme’s cash transfers enabled her to obtain food, clothing and shelter support, while also venturing into small businesses, including selling kanga.

“I encourage TASAF to continue supporting us. The assistance has allowed me to start small business activities and improve my livelihood,” she says.

At Kianga-Magharibi, Katalina Mihambo Rubambula, who lives with a disability, says TASAF’s cash transfer support helped her access basic needs, farming support and medical care – particularly treatment for her injured leg. She now grows cassava and maize, earning an income that was previously out of reach.

Building resilience through entrepreneurship

In Bagamoyo, Latifa Mshindo, 42, describes TASAF as a turning point during one of the most difficult periods of her life. Born with only one functional arm, she says she relied on her parents until joining the programme.

“My business started with just Sh7,000, but by the time I completed the programme, my capital had grown to over Sh100,000,” she says proudly. Latifa now runs a fish-selling business with two stalls and is constructing her own house – now at final stages.

She says the greatest joy has been educating her children. “My first child has completed technical college, and another is now in Form Three. Thanks to TASAF support, their future looks hopeful.”

Supporting households with high dependency

Another beneficiary, Maalim Kesi of Kaole Village, Bagamoyo, who is visually impaired, says he struggled to support his nine children. TASAF enabled six of them to be enrolled in programme benefits, with the household receiving between Sh40,000 to Sh50,000 bi-monthly.

“I can never forget the help I received from TASAF. Without it, I would not have managed to educate my children,” he says.

TASAF leadership driving reforms

TASAF’s Executive Director, Mr. Shedrack Mziray has championed stronger beneficiary identification systems and expanded the fund’s use of data to track programme results. His leadership has also strengthened cooperation with development partners and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to ensure resources reach intended households.

The fund has broadened its focus beyond financial assistance to include capacity building, entrepreneurship training and support for sustainable livelihoods – ensuring long-term impact rather than temporary relief.

A vision that endures

As Tanzania continues its journey toward defeating poverty, ignorance and disease, TASAF’s footprint remains visible across communities – particularly among persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The stories of Khadija, Katalina, Latifa and Kesi demonstrate TASAF’s role as more than a social protection initiative; it is a foundation for empowerment, resilience and human dignity.

With continued government support, strategic leadership and strong community engagement, TASAF is helping realise Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision of a self-reliant nation where no one is left behind.