What They Do


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.


Unsecured mobile-led lending: Their model relies on leveraging mobile services rather than collateral-based credit.


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


Pan‑African reach: Active in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, DRC, and South Africa.


Impressive milestones:



Over 600,000 loans in 7 countries, impacting 3.6 million lives.


Globally, more than 2 million loans across 8 countries and 8 million lives positively affected.




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:



Valid ID: NIDA card, voter registration, or driving license


Original TIN certificate


Introductory letter from your local govt.


At least one guarantor (with valid ID)


Down payment: a minimum of Tsh 400,000





? Payments & Support


Paybill number (Tanzania): 650880 — works with M-PESA, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money. Cash isn’t accepted.


Customer care: Reach them via toll-free 0800 750 228 for general or support queries.





? Partnerships & Funding


In 2023/24, AHL Venture Partners provided Watu Tanzania a $3 million loan to scale motorcycle financing—underscoring their credibility.





? Summary Table





Feature
Details




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.