MBARALI, March 8, 2026 — The Member of Parliament for Mbarali District, Bahati Ndingo, has encouraged women to actively apply for development loans as part of efforts to strengthen economic empowerment in local communities.
The call came as the Mbarali District Council disbursed 1.7 billion Tanzanian shillings to 165 community groups through the government’s 10 percent loan scheme, a program designed to support youth, women, and people with disabilities in establishing income-generating activities.
Speaking during the distribution of the funds, Ndingo emphasized that financial empowerment is a key element of improving livelihoods and reducing economic hardship among citizens in Tanzania. He urged women in particular to take advantage of the available opportunities and avoid fearing entrepreneurship or borrowing for productive investments.
According to the legislator, the initiative aligns with the economic empowerment agenda outlined in the ruling party’s election manifesto, which focuses on addressing citizens’ financial challenges and improving household incomes.
Ndingo also encouraged women to build confidence in business and participate actively in local development programs.
“Economic empowerment is important for improving family livelihoods and strengthening community development,” he said, while urging beneficiaries to invest the funds responsibly in productive projects.
During the event, one of the beneficiaries explained to the MP how her group used the loan funds to start and expand small economic activities, demonstrating the positive impact of the program on household incomes and community welfare.
The 10 percent loan scheme, which allocates a portion of local government revenue to special groups, aims to promote entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable development at the grassroots level. Through such initiatives, councils across Tanzania are working to ensure that women and other marginalized groups gain better access to capital for business ventures.
Local leaders expressed optimism that the funds will help beneficiaries expand businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth in Mbarali District and surrounding areas.
