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The Science Technology and Innovation Policy Research Organization (STIPRO), in collaboration with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), hosted a dissemination workshop themed “Delivering Digital Financial Services for the Poor” on the 27 th of July 2023, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The collaborative event aimed to disseminate the latest research findings on digital financial inclusion services for the poor, specifically for Tanzania. These findings resulted from a collaborative project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on Financial Inclusion and Market Development in East African community economies, involving six East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

The Opening session of the event was led by Dr. Bitrina Diyamett, Executive Director of STIPRO and Dr. Dianah Muchai from the AERC. 

Speaking during the event, Dr. Jaha Mvulla, Director of Research, Innovation and Training at Tanzanian e–Government Agency (eGA) emphasized the importance of engaging specific government agencies responsible and highlighted the agency’s readiness to collaborate in all initiatives related to ICT and the Digital economy. 

In her remarks, Dr. Bitrina Diyamett stressed the importance of striking a balance whereby Taxation that allows the government to collect its revenue is set in such a way that does not bring exclusion in the usage of digital financial services. On the other hand, Dr. Dianah Muchai emphasized having policy recommendations that are practical and beneficial to the society.

The workshop provided a platform to present and stir discussion from the findings of three research projects titled “Taxation on mobile money transfers: who hurts more? Individuals or businesses?” by Karia Sekumbo, Noella Ringo and Constantine Manda; “Digital innovation ecosystem development for financial inclusion and market access: a case of Tanzania” by Dennis Mwighusa and Bitrina Diyamett and “Digital financial services through mobile phones: status and challenges faced by rural women” by Lanta Daniel. The presentations gained from a vigorous and engaging discussion on issues raised and propositions of way forward.

This event brought together diverse stakeholders, including researchers, financial service providers, technology experts, representatives from civil society organizations and most public sector and government agencies, including the responsible ministries.

Event Photos and footage below: