Advancing women’s financial inclusion in Tanzania: The role of mobile money

Mobile money is a driving force behind women’s financial inclusion in Tanzania. Looking at usage data on mobile money and digital financial services from the 2021 World Bank Global FINDEX Database, women’s mobile money account ownership has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

This report examines Tanzanian women’s ownership of financial and mobile money accounts, their use of mobile money-enabled digital financial services, and barriers to ownership and usage. It includes research from interviews with mobile money providers, a literature review and quantitative data analysis from the 2021 FINDEX Database. The report provides measurable, historic and comparative insights on women’s financial inclusion in Tanzania. Based on this, the report offers practical recommendations for mobile money providers and policymakers on how to better increase mobile money account ownership and usage amongst women and ensure services meet their needs.