Tanzania's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Administration, Constitution and Legal Affairs is calling for a stronger push to encourage public servants to join the FAIDA Fund, an investment scheme that has grown substantially since its launch. The fund's net asset value has reached 168.11 billion shillings, up from its initial capital of 12 billion shillings when it started in November 2022, according to the committee.
Despite the fund's growth, participation remains limited among the country's public workforce. By June 2026, only 4,918 public servants had enrolled in the scheme, contributing a combined 1.2 billion shillings through the e-Wekeza digital platform, which allows monthly investments through salary deductions. Speaking during a visit to Watumishi Housing Investments projects in Dodoma, the committee's Deputy Chairperson, Edwin Swalle, said many workers lack sufficient information about the fund's benefits. 'Public servants have a significant investment opportunity through this fund, but many still lack sufficient information about its benefits. We appeal for more education so that more workers can participate,' Swalle said.
Officials say the fund offers tangible returns to investors. The fund's unit value has risen from 100 shillings to approximately 157 shillings, while dividends have ranged between 12 and 14 per cent, according to Paskali Massawe, Watumishi Housing Investments' Director of Finance and Investment. Massawe explained that the fund aims to help public servants build savings and strengthen their financial capacity to own homes. 'This approach can help public servants prepare financially for life after employment and improve their ability to meet essential needs, including housing,' he said.
The investment process has been simplified to encourage uptake. Investors can contribute digitally through mobile phones, with the system linked to the government payment platform to facilitate salary deductions and reduce transaction costs. The first investment window was launched on June 23, 2025, according to Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the President's Office responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance. The FAIDA Fund operates separately from housing investment initiatives, targeting individual public servants and other investors seeking long-term investment opportunities while enabling individuals to invest small amounts rather than waiting to accumulate substantial sums.
For Tanzanian public servants, the fund offers a way to grow savings and build financial security before retirement, though currently only a small portion of the eligible workforce has joined the scheme.