In the heart of East Africa, Tanzania’s financial technology, or fintech, sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in activity. Over recent years, a burgeoning cohort of startups has emerged, crafting innovative products and services that are reshaping the landscape of financial accessibility for Tanzanians. As this burgeoning sector takes centre stage, it raises crucial questions: Can Tanzania’s fintech sphere become the saviour of financial inclusion and accessibility, or are concealed challenges waiting to cast a shadow over its promising growth?
Meaning of Fintech
Fintech stands for financial technology. This is the use of technology to provide financial services. In Tanzania, the fintech sector is rapidly growing, driven by a young and tech-savvy population, a growing middle class, and a supportive regulatory environment. The Tanzanian fintech sector is diverse, with various companies offering various services. These services include:
Mobile money: Mobile money is the most popular form of fintech in Tanzania, with over 33 million active accounts. Mobile money allows users to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and access other financial services.
Mobile lending: Mobile lending platforms provide loans to users based on their mobile phone data. This is a popular option for people who do not have access to traditional banking services.
Payments: Fintech companies provide various payment solutions, such as online and mobile payments and merchant services.
Insurtech: Insurtech companies use technology to make insurance more accessible and affordable.
Regtech: Regtech companies use technology to help businesses comply with financial regulations.
As we delve into the exploration of Tanzania’s fintech sector, it becomes evident that the significance of fintech cannot be underestimated. Its rise presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing financial disparities, making financial services available to those excluded for far too long.
The potential role of fintech in Tanzania’s economic development is nothing short of transformative. Not only does it offer solutions to financial challenges, but it also paves the way for entrepreneurial growth, innovation, and job creation. The prospects are compelling, and the stakes are high.
The Fintech Boom in Tanzania
In recent years, Tanzania has witnessed a surge in the emergence of new fintech startups. The fintech sector is rapidly transforming the country’s financial landscape, driven by a young and tech-savvy population, a growing middle class, and a supportive regulatory environment. Among the notable fintech startups that have emerged in Tanzania include:
NALA: A cross-border payments platform that enables instant and low-cost money transfers between Tanzania and other countries.
Lipa Later: A buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform that allows users to make purchases and pay for them in instalments.
JamboPay: A mobile payments platform that allows users to pay for goods and services online and offline.
M-pawa: A mobile savings and loans platform offered by Vodacom Tanzania.
These startups offer a wide range of innovative products and services that address the needs of the underserved and unbanked population in Tanzania. For example, NALA is making it easier for Tanzanians to send and receive money from abroad, while Lipa Later provides consumers with a flexible and affordable way to purchase. JamboPay is making it easier for businesses to accept payments online. At the same time, M-Pawa provides access to savings and loans for those who may not have access to traditional banking services.
Some other emerging companies are A-Trader, Fastapay, Mipango, Nderemo, Safari Wallet, Tausi, Afya Lead, Afrisolutions, Hatua Africa, Kikundi, BizzyPay, EvMak, Dawa Mikononi, Kilimo and Settle.
The Expected Role of The Fintech Sector in Tanzania’s Economic Growth
It is expected to affect Tanzania’s economic growth in the coming years significantly. By providing access to financial services to the underserved and unbanked, startups are helping to boost economic activity. For example, mobile money has increased household consumption and investment. Additionally, startups are helping to reduce the cost of doing business, which can lead to increased productivity and growth.
In addition to driving financial inclusion, the sector contributes to innovation in the Tanzanian economy. Startups are developing new products and services that meet the needs of businesses and consumers. For example, agricultural startups provide farmers access to weather data and market information, which can help them improve their yields and incomes. Additionally, trade finance fintech startups are providing businesses with access to working capital, which can help them to grow their operations.
- The fintech sector can stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation.
The fintech sector can stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation in several ways. First, by providing access to financial services, fintech startups are helping to make it easier for people to start and grow their businesses. Second, fintech startups are creating new jobs in the tech sector. Third, fintech startups are helping to develop new business opportunities in other sectors of the economy.
For example, mobile money agents provide essential financial services in rural areas with few traditional bank branches. This is helping to create new business opportunities for people in these areas. Additionally, fintech startups are developing new products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses. For example, some fintech startups provide small businesses access to loans and other forms of financing.
- The fintech sector attracts foreign investment.
The fintech sector has the potential to attract foreign investment to Tanzania. Foreign investors are increasingly looking to invest in countries with growing fintech sectors. This is because fintech startups are seen as high-growth businesses with the potential to generate significant returns.
In addition, the Tanzanian government is taking steps to create a supportive environment for fintech startups. For example, the government has established a fintech sandbox, a regulatory framework allowing startups to test their products and services live. This is helping to reduce the barriers to entry for fintech startups and making it easier for them to launch their businesses.
Unseen Challenges and Concerns of the Fintech Sector in Tanzania
The sector in Tanzania is rapidly growing and has the potential to play a significant role in driving financial inclusion and economic growth. However, several unseen challenges and concerns could hinder the sector’s development.
- Potential obstacles and challenges
Limited infrastructure: Tanzania has a limited telecommunications infrastructure, which can make it difficult for fintech startups to reach their target customers. Additionally, the cost of internet access can be high, deterring people from using services.
Lack of awareness and trust: Many people in Tanzania are unaware of or do not trust services. This is due to a lack of education and awareness about fintech. Additionally, there have been several high-profile cases of fraud in the Tanzanian fintech sector, which has damaged the sector’s reputation.
Competition from traditional financial institutions: Traditional financial institutions are well-established in Tanzania and have a large customer base. They are also well-resourced and can afford to invest in new technologies. This can make it difficult for fintech startups to compete.
Regulatory uncertainty: The regulatory environment in Tanzania is still evolving. This can create uncertainty for startups and make it difficult for them to plan for the future.
Regulatory and Security Concerns
Data protection: The Tanzanian government has not yet enacted a comprehensive data protection law. This raises concerns about the protection of customer data by fintech startups.
Anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT): Startups are vulnerable to being used for AML/CFT purposes. The Tanzanian government needs to implement adequate measures to prevent this from happening.
Cybersecurity: Startups are at risk of cyber-attacks. The Tanzanian government needs to help startups to develop robust cybersecurity measures.
Potential Pitfalls and Risks Associated With Rapid Growth
The risk of fraud: The sector’s rapid growth could lead to increased fraud. Startups may not have the same experience and expertise as traditional financial institutions in preventing fraud.
The risk of systemic risk: The sector’s rapid growth could lead to systemic risk. Startups are often interconnected. If one startup fails, it could have a domino effect on other startups.
The risk of consumer harm: The rapid growth could lead to harm. Startups may not be subject to the same level of regulation as traditional financial institutions.
This sector has immense potential to drive financial inclusion, economic growth, and innovation. The sector is rapidly growing and is home to several innovative startups offering a wide range of products and services. The future is bright, and the sector has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the country’s economic future. As a sector continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it addresses its challenges and contributes to the development of Tanzania’s economy.
For more insights into this sector, read more analysis here: From M-Pesa Miracles to Fintech Phenomena: The Epic of Financial Innovation in Tanzania.
