Mixx by Yas unveils financial solutions to boost farmers' prosperity
Mixx by Yas Chief Executive Officer, Angelica Pesha
Dodoma. Mixx by Yas, formerly Tigo Pesa, has launched new financial products aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by farmers in Tanzania. The products, KilimoPesa and AfyaMkulima, were unveiled yesterday in Dodoma to provide affordable loans and health insurance tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.
Speaking during the launch, Mixx by Yas Chief Executive Officer, Angelica Pesha highlighted the importance of the initiative in empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing over 65 per cent of the population. Despite its significance, farmers often struggle to access credit and health insurance, which limits their ability to invest in their farms and secure their livelihoods,” she said.
KilimoPesa is designed to offer flexible loans aligned with farming cycles, enabling farmers to repay after harvest. AfyaMkulima, on the other hand, provides affordable health insurance for farmers and their families, ensuring they can access quality healthcare without financial strain.
These initiatives come at a time when only 4 per cent of smallholder farmers in Tanzania have access to formal financial services, according to industry data. Mixx by Yas has already facilitated over Sh600 billion in payments to more than 30,000 farmers through 500 Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS).
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), Dr Benson Ndiege, lauded the initiative as a game-changer for the agricultural sector.
“These solutions directly address key challenges in financing and healthcare for farmers. By empowering them with tools to improve productivity and resilience, Mixx by Yas is making a lasting impact,” said Dr Ndiege.
Farmers registered with AMCOS and using Mixx by Yas for payments are eligible for KilimoPesa loans and AfyaMkulima insurance. The pilot phase will run for two years, with plans for expansion based on uptake and performance.
This launch aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda for universal healthcare and financial inclusion. It also builds on Mixx by Yas’s efforts to digitize payments and promote financial literacy among farmers, as seen in the success of its "Vuna na Mixx by Yas" campaign.
“By integrating digital payments, credit, and health services, we are not just offering solutions; we are transforming the agricultural landscape and securing a better future for farmers,” Ms Pesha said.
With these innovative products, Mixx by Yas reinforces its position as a trusted partner for Tanzanian farmers, contributing to national economic growth and sustainable development.
