Tanzania bank and tech firm launch farming loans for youth
Azania Bank and Dronlytics offer financing for young farmers to adopt solar irrigation technology and expand operations.
Dronlytics Technologies Tanzania Limited and Azania Bank Plc have partnered to provide a dedicated agricultural loan facility for small-scale and youth farmers in Morogoro. This initiative aims to enable experienced young farmers, participating in the Dronlytics Block Farm Program, to transition to commercial-scale farming. The program supports the government's Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiative for Agribusiness by offering a clear progression path for youth who have gained practical farming experience, with the first cohort expected in early 2027.
The collaboration combines Azania Bank's expertise in agricultural finance with Dronlytics' modern farming solutions, notably a USA-patented solar irrigation system designed to increase crop yields. This technology allows for up to three harvests annually, independent of seasonal rainfall, by precisely delivering water and inputs to crops. A University of Arkansas study showed similar systems reduced water use by 67% and fertilizer use by 30%, while also decreasing methane emissions from fields.
Farmers will own their irrigation systems, financed through Azania Bank and supported by Dronlytics' warranty. The program also includes drone scouting and a technology platform that integrates field and satellite data for precision agriculture. This integrated approach, from seed to market, with centralized services and mechanization, allows farmers to manage larger areas and concentrate on business development.
Why it mattersYoung Tanzanian farmers are affected by gaining access to financing and advanced irrigation technology, enabling them to increase harvests and farm at a commercial scale.