The Bank of Tanzania (“BOT”) has issued the Guidance Note on Submission of Documents by Tier 2 Microfinance Service Providers, 2026 (the “Guidance Note”), published on 21 September 20261.
The Guidance Note introduces a prescribed framework for Tier 2 Microfinance Service Providers (“MSPs”) and applicants when making licence applications, seeking approvals or submitting notifications to the BOT. It is intended to standardise submissions, improve completeness and reduce delays arising from incomplete, inaccurate or inconsistent applications.
The Guidance Note refers to the Microfinance (Non-Deposit Taking Microfinance Service Providers) Regulations, 2026 (the “2026 Regulations”) and states that it does not amend, replace or supersede any law or regulation. It is to be read together with the Microfinance Act, 2018, the applicable Microfinance Regulations and other relevant laws and regulations.
Regulatory position at publication: The Guidance Note refers to the Microfinance (Non-Deposit Taking Microfinance Service Providers) Regulations, 2026. As at the date of this publication, the BOT’s publicly accessible regulations page continued to list the Microfinance (Non-Deposit Taking Microfinance Service Providers) Regulations, 2019. This update refers to the 2026 Regulations based on the references contained in the Guidance Note.