Export Credit Financial Services empowering Tanzanian exporters through financial inclusion
Kibu Logistics Company has obtained a working capital from Export Credit Financial Services.
In Tanzania’s dynamic and growing economy, one of the biggest barriers faced by exporters’ especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is limited access to finance.
Whether it’s a farmer or exporter and importer, the challenge remains the same, how to secure working capital to produce, and goods to domestic and international markets.
At the heart of this dynamic export surge stands Export Credit Financial Services (ECFS), a microfinance institution that has become instrumental in transforming export potential into export performance.
ECFS is dedicated to unlocking the full export potential of Tanzania. Through tailored financial products, risk mitigation tools, and credit support. ECFS is becoming a cornerstone of Tanzania’s journey to becoming a globally competitive export nation.
What makes ECFS different?
Unlike traditional banks, ECFS operates with a development-focused mission bridging the financing gap for underserved exporters. As a licensed microfinance institution, ECFS offers small-ticket, flexible, and fast-access financial solutions to businesses that are often overlooked by commercial lenders.
Key offerings include; working capital loans for exporters to fund production and fulfill purchase orders, pre-shipment and post-shipment finance to help manage cash flow cycles, export credit insurance to protect against payment defaults by foreign buyers, local trading guarantee for local traders and financial advisory and export readiness programs for SMEs.
Boosting local market penetration
Many Tanzanian producers face challenges reaching even domestic markets due to lack of funds to scale, distribute, or market their goods. ECFS addresses this by offering micro-loans and trade finance products that empower local exporters to expand regionally before venturing globally.
For example, a sunflower oil cooperative in Singida can receive working capital to meet increasing demand in Dodoma, Mwanza, and Arusha. This local market expansion becomes the first step toward building export readiness.
Fueling international trade aspirations
Tanzania’s strategic location, access to regional trade blocs like the East African Community (EAC), and its rich resources make it well-positioned for global trade. However, many exporters cannot seize international opportunities due to financial bottlenecks.
ECFS helps resolve this by; financing confirmed export orders through invoice discounting, LCs discounting and trade guarantees, facilitating Letters of Credit (LCs) in partnership with local and international banks and offering risk cover for political and commercial non-payment in high-risk countries. This financial security allows Tanzanian exporters to confidently enter new markets like the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Advantages of using ECFS in the Tanzanian market
Access to affordable working capital. With low-interest microloans designed for exporters, ECFS enables even small traders and cooperatives to operate confidently.
Export Growth for SMEs. Through ECFS, SMEs gain access to tailored financial products that allow them to fulfill large export contracts, previously beyond their capacity.
Financial inclusion. By targeting underbanked and rural exporters, ECFS helps bring more Tanzanian businesses into the formal export economy.
Job creation and economic resilience. As exporters grow, they create more employment and contribute to national economic resilience through increased foreign exchange earnings.
Risk reduction. ECFS’s insurance products protect exporters from international buyer defaults, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks.
Driving a new era for Tanzanian exports
The government of Tanzania has prioritized industrialization, agricultural value addition, and SME development. ECFS aligns perfectly with these national goals by ensuring finance is no longer a barrier to achieving export success.
As the country pursues Vision 2025- 2030 and moves toward middle-income status, Export Credit Financial Services offers a transformative model: combining microfinance principles with international trade facilitation to empower Tanzanian entrepreneurs, build export capacity, and put Tanzanian products on the global map. It’s time for Tanzania to export more than just products it’s time to export excellence, powered by inclusive finance.
Export Credit Financial Services
Haidery Plaza, First floor Posta City Center,
Dar es Salaam Tanzania, East Africa
Tel +255 (02)221 13860
www.exportcredit.co.tz
