In this D4T-TIDE Case Study, we spotlight the critical role of effective partnerships within the fintech ecosystem to boost financial inclusion, featuring insights from Laina Finance’s journey in Tanzania.

This case study delves into the importance of collaborations between fintech startups like Laina Finance, which is regulated by the Bank of Tanzania and offers instant credit solutions, and a diverse range of partners including telecom companies, banks, and the customers themselves.

Through examining Laina’s strategies in establishing partnerships that enhance access to digital financial services for underserved populations, the study highlights the synergy between fintech innovation and traditional financial institutions.

This exploration serves as a valuable blueprint for startups navigating their growth pathways and for traditional finance entities seeking to engage with fintech innovators.

The findings underscore the transformative potential of partnerships in creating a more inclusive digital economy, especially for women and youth at the base of the economic pyramid.

Case Studies in this series:

• Navigating the innovation ecosystem: choosing an accelerator

ABOUT D4T-TIDE

The European Union Digital4Tanzania (D4T) Programme is contributing to the impact of digital transformation on Tanzania’s inclusive economic growth and citizen wellbeing. With a budget of EUR 35M, its specific objectives include:

1. Digital government: improving the digital economy and the use of e-government and e-services
2. Inclusive connectivity: increasing accessible and equitable connectivity services in rural and peri-urban areas, in particular for social services.
3. Digital trade support: developing the fintech sector and innovation ecosystems in the country and the region.

The programme is jointly implemented by The Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology (MICIT), EU Member States and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

Under the D4T programme, UNCDF is currently implementing the Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy (D4T-TIDE) project. Launched in September 2022, D4T-TIDE is a four year project that aims to increase access to and usage of digital payments and digital financial services in Tanzania, while enabling the innovation ecosystem to better support entrepreneurs and further drive digital innovation.

ABOUT PESATECH ACCELERATOR

Pesatech Accelerator is a fintech accelerator program designed to support post-MVP and growth-stage fintech startups in Tanzania. The accelerator aims to build fintech’s capacity to raise investment through an Investor-Readiness Program (IRP) and act as a marketplace between startups, strategic partners, and investors.

PesaTech’s first cohort was implemented by Sahara Ventures in partnership with ENEA Advisors, Hindsight Ventures, and iPF Softwares with support from the European Union and SIDA.