Dar es Salaam. On Tuesday, November 26, the air in Dar es Salaam was full of excitement as a new product was unveiled—one that promised to revolutionize the way small traders and farmers in Tanzania operate.
The launch was more than just an event; it marked the beginning of a transformative shift, offering thousands of entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their businesses through more efficient and affordable transportation solutions.
At the heart of this change was a new Bajaji, specially designed to address the challenges of transporting agricultural products.
As the curtains drew back to reveal the sleek, sturdy vehicles, the crowd erupted in applause.
These weren’t just any Bajajis; they were tools that would empower farmers and small-scale traders to move their goods quickly, affordably, and safely from rural areas to urban markets.
Mr. Martin Rajab, the Product and Partnership Manager at Equity Bank, took to the stage. With a smile, he spoke to the crowd about how this launch was more than just the introduction of a product—it was a step forward in supporting Tanzania’s financial inclusion agenda.
The goal was simple yet powerful: to provide youth and women with the opportunity to access affordable loans to purchase the Bajajis, ultimately helping them to become self-sufficient and grow their businesses.
“By making these Bajajis accessible through affordable financing, we aim to help small traders and farmers transport their goods with ease,” said Mr. Rajab.
Adding, “This is not just about moving products; it’s about moving people closer to opportunities—opportunities to grow, to succeed, and to thrive.”
The Bajajis were designed to help preserve the quality of goods during transport, ensuring that agricultural products reached the market fresh and intact. This was a key reason why Equity Bank’s financing plan was designed to make the vehicles accessible to as many Tanzanians as possible.
Customers could contribute 25 percent or 39 percent of the Bajaji’s value upfront, with the balance payable over 24 months.
“We believe that financial inclusion starts with access,” Mr. Rajab asserted.
Adding: “And today, with the launch of this Bajaji, we are not just launching a product—we are launching a new future for small businesses in Tanzania.”
Mr. Kain Mvanda, the Program Director at RIKOLTO, spoke about the larger impact of the product. He said, “One of the biggest challenges small traders face is post-harvest losses. With these Bajajis, we’re not just helping them transport goods; we’re helping them safeguard their livelihoods.”
“For many, this new Bajaji would be a game-changer. Not only would it enable them to expand their reach and reduce transportation costs, but it also represents a new era of business growth, powered by accessible financing from institutions like Equity Bank.”
The Bajajis, which were manufactured in China, would be available in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. This is a chance for small traders to scale up, improve their operations, and grow their capital. Entrepreneurs across the country are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
As the event concluded, the excitement in the room was evident.
This was not just the launch of a new product. It was the launch of new possibilities—empowering small traders and farmers to take control of their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and drive economic growth in their communities.
