THE customized financial services provider EFTA Tanzania has entered into a business partnership with a diversified investor GSM Group to facilitate farmers overcome post-harvest losses by facilitating them with viable logistics solutions of perishable goods.

The partnership intends to help farmers overcome post-harvest losses of fruits starting with the harvest stage in farms to processing factories.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Dar es Salaam, GSM Group CEO Benson Mahenya said that the partnership is further intended to facilitate contracted agents working with farmers and other Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to have access to viable and guaranteed logistics solutions.

“We are convinced that this partnership is going to serve as a remedy for post-harvest losses incurred by farmers in short of logistical solutions,” said Mahenya.

According to him, EFTA has been a trusted financial partner, helping the company scale its logistics and improve supply chain efficiency.

He said the partnership also comes with a financing product for the company’s agents who most often do not meet mainstream bank’s eligibility criteria, can now access vehicles finance without additional collateral from EFTA.

“This partnership will allow us to serve our customers more effectively and extend our reach across Tanzania and beyond. We intend to achieve our shared values of inclusive business growth by SMEs in our supply chain ecosystem,” said Mahenya.

He asserted that the financing structure includes a mix of new and used distribution vans, pickups, Lorries, and three-wheelers.

Mahenya said the financing package includes Insurance Premium Financing (IPF) and maintenance contracts from suppliers to ensure the vehicles’ longevity and operational efficiency.

This approach enables GSM distributors to access reliable transportation without the burden of heavy upfront costs.

“Our goal is to provide financial flexibility that supports sustainable business growth and return on investment but also supporting livelihood through jobs created for drivers of the vehicles, income generation for contracted SME’s and supporting all actors in the supply chain of the diversified investor distribution eco-system,” he said.

The financing of these vehicles will support GSM Group’s distribution network, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of water and beverage products across key regions in Tanzania and beyond.

“This milestone is a reflection of our shared vision to drive sustainable business growth while creating the social impact of job creation and improved incomes of contracted SMEs by GSM,” said Mahenya.

For his part, Clerius Asiel, Head of Sales and Marketing EFTA Tanzania, said that for over the past twenty years, the company has empowered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania by providing accessible and flexible financial solutions that allow them to acquire the machinery and equipment necessary for growth.

According to him, the company has last year extended 48bn/- in loans to SMEs of which a half was allocated to SMEs in the agriculture value chain.

Since the past three years the company has reached over 100,000 SMEs with a load portfolio pegged at over 25obn/-.

In 2024 over 600 farmers benefited from its machinery loan services.

“We are expecting new customers for our services, especially contracted agents by our GSM Tanzania,” he said.

By removing the barrier of collateral requirements, the company has facilitated the expansion of businesses across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, constructions and logistics.

He asserted that the milestone brings the total number of units financed in their five-year relationship to over 100, underscoring the success of the collaboration.

“This partnership highlights EFTA’s commitment to empowering businesses through tailored lease financing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive market growth;

By enabling our partner to expand its distribution, we are directly contributing to their ability to serve customers more efficiently and scale operations effectively,” he said.