Fintech for Women’s Financial Inclusion in Tanzania

With Tanzania’s fintech ecosystem growing rapidly, many are pointing to the potential for fintech to bring financial services to those that remain excluded or underserved by traditional financial service providers—especially women. While mobile money has proven to be a driver of digital financial inclusion for thousands of women, gender gaps persist. Continued progress depends on the application of new technologies and partnership models between fintechs, mobile network operators, and traditional financial institutions that prioritize affordable, relevant, and safe products and services.

This case study explores challenges and opportunities for women’s financial and digital inclusion in Tanzania, considering women both as users and builders of fintech. It first examines in Part I Laina Finance’s experience creating products and services designed to increase women’s financial inclusion. In Part II, founder Lilian Makoi’s story provides first-hand insights into the experience of a female founder. This case study will be useful for fintech companies and financial service providers committed to better-serving female customers and for women in the financial sector looking to grow as agents of change.