Youth grab 118bn/- loans to boost businesses
DODOMA: A TOTAL of 118.03bn/- has been disbursed to 8,165 youth groups comprising 44,754 members nationwide from July 2024 to February 2026.
This was said by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office- Regional Administration and Local Government (PMORALG), Dr Festo Dugange in the National Assembly yesterday when reacting to Bumbuli lawmaker Eng Ramadhani Singano (CCM)’s 115 question which inquired the government to explained how it ensures 10 percent local government loans reach the youth.
The Deputy Minister said for the said loans to reach the targeted youth and other groups, the government is also using an electronic system known as the WEZESHA Portal for group registration, loan applications and loan management.
“Community Development Officers continue to provide education and support to youths in preparing viable projects to enhance their eligibility for loans,” he added.
He assured that the government will continue strengthening oversight of these empowerment loans to enable youths to engage in self-employment, increase income and contribute to national economic growth.
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According to him, the government ensures that the 10 percent loans reach youths in accordance with the Local Government Finances Act, Cap 290, as well as the 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for the Issuance and Management of Loans to Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Groups.
The Deputy Minister explained that according to Regulation 5(2)(b) of the 2024 Regulations, four percent of unprotected internal revenue is specifically allocated to youth, and these funds are legally safeguarded. In her supplementary question, the Member of Parliament asked Dr Dugange to explain how women have specifically benefited from the initiative.
Responding to this question, the Deputy Minister (PMORALG), Dr Festo Dugange said women are among the groups that have significantly benefited from the 10 percent loans.
He cited the 2024/25 financial year of which the the government planned to allocated 253bn/- in loans to empower women, youth and persons with disabilities. However, 230bn/- was actually disbursed during that period, enabling entrepreneurs to become self-employed and boost their businesses.
