WOMEN in Tanzania are at the heart of the nation’s economic engine, making vital contributions across key sectors such as agriculture, finance and entrepreneurship.

With over 35 percent of the country’s GDP linked to women’s efforts—and women constituting more than 70 percent  of the agricultural workforce, particularly in food production—their impact is undeniable.

This central role was spotlighted in Dodoma at the weekend by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, during the official opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Women in Finance Association (TAWiFA).

Citing a 2022 report by the Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA), Dr. Biteko noted that while women represent 47 percent of the financial sector workforce, they occupy only 10 percent of leadership roles. On average, just two women serve on each board of directors—underscoring the gender imbalance in decision-making spaces.

“These numbers highlight both progress and the work that remains. Women contribute significantly, but continue to face barriers such as limited access to affordable credit, low financial literacy, and underrepresentation in policy and boardroom decisions,” he said.

He stressed the importance of dismantling cultural and traditional barriers and promoting gender-equal upbringing. “We must raise all children—regardless of gender—to believe they can achieve and lead. This is how we build a future where ability, not gender, defines opportunity,” he said.

He further encouraged women to embrace digital innovation: “Digital tools revolutionize how we do business. I urge you to invest in technology—it can be a game changer, especially in underserved rural communities.”

Dr. Biteko expressed hope that TAWiFA’s discussions would lead to concrete strategies to strengthen women’s involvement in the financial ecosystem, including banking, insurance, capital markets and digital finance—tailored to address challenges unique to women.

Deputy Minister for Finance Hamad Chande commended the formation of TAWiFA, stating that the government remains committed to empowering women and marginalized groups through favourable economic policies and platforms like TAWiFA.

TAWiFA President Fikira Ntomola echoed the call for broader support, asserting that investing in women is not charity—but smart economics. “We are scaling up financial education through training programmes and workshops to build women’s financial and business skills,” she said.

She lauded the government’s efforts in supporting inclusive growth and affirmed TAWiFA’s mission to elevate women’s roles in the financial sector: “We are working to help women run profitable businesses, understand financial systems and grow sustainably.”

TAWiFA Vice President Nangi Massawe emphasized the association’s role in creating a fairer financial sector that recognizes and rewards the contributions of women to national progress.

Currently, TAWiFA has 204 registered members and continues to grow its influence by advocating for gender equity and inclusive development across Tanzania’s financial landscape.