The first Agri-ProFocus Tanzania finance Fair, on 19 and 20 July, was a great success! The event exceeded all expectations with over 500 farmer representatives, SMEs and other show-goers and over 20 exhibitors from banks, SACCOs and NGOs that work on access to finance for farmers.

The Agri-ProFocus Agri-Hub Tanzania’s first Finance Fair was set up to link agri-businesses from Northern Tanzania to financial service providers. Agri-ProFocus Tanzania partners supporting its creation were SNV, TRIAS, the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Fert and Farmers Pride.

The specific objectives of the Finance Fair were to increase public awareness on various products and services offered by financial institutions; strengthen the link between the agribusiness community and financial institutions; and reduce financial challenges, including financial literacy, facing members of the agri-business community. The positive feedback from various visitors and exhibitors proves that the above objectives were certainly met.

Bridge the gap
The Fair saw a large number of enthusiastic show-goers: farmer representatives and exhibitors all converging at the Nane Nane show grounds in Arusha town for the Fair. In her opening speech, the guest of honour Ms. Chiku Issa, Arusha Branch Director of CRDB Bank, highlighted the following: “I call upon the exhibitors that have gathered here today, to ensure that we bridge the gap that has existed between us and the agri-business community. Let us use this Fair to be a curtain-raiser and door-opener, for more of the actors in the agri-business community to access our services in the financial sector.’’

The Fair was accompanied by a series of lively panel discussions, where farmers received information on how to write bankable business proposals, and face-to-face discussions with the exhibitors, with a good number of them securing appointments to meet with exhibitors for further action on working together.

Awards
The Agri-Finance Fair ended on July 20th, with a closing ceremony led by Mrs. Geertrui Windels, Board member of TRIAS. She was escorted by her husband, the European Council President Mr. Herman van Rompuy. Mr van Rompuy also led the award presentation with the following winners:

• Tanzania Horticultural Association – ‘Best exhibitor’ award;
• USAWA SACCOs – ‘Best financial service provider for farmers’ award
• Meru Community Bank – ‘Best financial product for agriculture’ award.