The two-day conference, held in early September in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, brought together bankers, policymakers, regulators, researchers, academics, technology companies and development partners under the theme “Transforming MSME Financing for Sustainable Development — Policy Reforms, Innovation, and Opportunities.”
In his remarks at the opening of the conference on September 3, 2026, Dr. Hamad Omar Bakari, Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Zanzibar, underscored the financial sector’s role in ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach a broader section of society. He emphasised the importance of accessible and affordable financial services in strengthening MSMEs, supporting business growth and creating jobs – reinforcing financial inclusion as a key driver of enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.
