About Company
What They Do
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Asset financing provider: Watu offers vehicle loans for boda-boda (motorbike taxis) and tuk-tuks across Tanzania—supporting entrepreneurs in acquiring these assets within 24 hours.
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Unsecured mobile-led lending: Their model relies on leveraging mobile services rather than collateral-based credit.
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Green mobility push: They recently expanded financing for CNG-powered three-wheelers, funding over 200 CNG vehicles (worth ~Tsh 2.2 billion) in just two months, targeting 1,000+ by end of 2024.
🌍 Scale & Impact
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Pan‑African reach: Active in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, DRC, and South Africa.
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Impressive milestones:
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Over 600,000 loans in 7 countries, impacting 3.6 million lives.
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Globally, more than 2 million loans across 8 countries and 8 million lives positively affected.
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Tech-enabled growth: They utilize networked MPLS with real-time monitoring across branches in Dar es Salaam (Masaki and Mwanga) for consistent service.
✅ Tanzania Loan Requirements
According to their FAQ, you’ll need:
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Valid ID: NIDA card, voter registration, or driving license
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Original TIN certificate
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Introductory letter from your local govt.
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At least one guarantor (with valid ID)
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Down payment: a minimum of Tsh 400,000
📲 Payments & Support
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Paybill number (Tanzania): 650880 — works with M-PESA, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money. Cash isn’t accepted.
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Customer care: Reach them via toll-free 0800 750 228 for general or support queries.
🏢 Partnerships & Funding
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In 2023/24, AHL Venture Partners provided Watu Tanzania a $3 million loan to scale motorcycle financing—underscoring their credibility.
🔍 Summary Table
Feature | Details |
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Assets Financed | Boda-boda, tuk-tuk, CNG 3-wheelers |
Down Payment | From Tsh 400,000 |
Loan Access Time | Within 24 hours |
Mobile Payment | Paybill 650880 (M-PESA, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) |
Key Requirements | ID, TIN, gov’t intro letter, guarantor |
Tech Infrastructure | MPLS network, real-time monitoring |
Tanzanian Helpline | 0800 750 228 |
Major Investors | AHL Venture Partners ($3M financing) |
💡 Why It Matters
Watu supports financial inclusion in Tanzania by offering accessible loans for income-generating transport assets. Their green initiative and strong international backing signify sustainable growth and impact.
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