DAR ES SALAAM, April 9 -- THE Tanzanian government has urged its citizens, particularly youth, women, and entrepreneurs,to exercise caution when taking high-risk loans commonly referred to as “kausha damu,” warning that such lending practices can undermine economic well-being and lead to unsustainable debt burdens.

Speaking on April 9, 2026, during the Financial Sector Stakeholders Forum 2026, the Minister of Finance, Khamis Omar, stated that despite the expansion of financial services in the country, predatory lending practices characterized by restrictive terms and high interest rates remain prevalent, disproportionately affecting low-income populations.

He emphasized the importance of conducting thorough financial assessm...