To achieve to the intended long term TIMAP mission or purpose of existence the first founder members agreed to address the following intermediate set of inter-linked objectives:

1.1    Bringing sustainable development and understanding between different informal microfinance practitioners working in Tanzania and the international community.

1.2    Creating conducive working environment for informal microfinance practitioners in Tanzania in deliberating and articulating best savings and credit practices in wealth creation to the poor and marginalized.

1.3    Planning and implementing collaborative actions and programs based on shared vision and best practices in Informal Microfinance in the United Republic of Tanzania and in relation to other parts of the world.

1.4 Advocating for pro-poor policies, fostering recognition, understanding, tolerance and adaptation of member’s best practices and innovations in Informal Microfinance methodologies.

1.5    Supporting and defending efforts and programs aimed at promoting sustainable development and tranquility in society and peaceful co-existence among different informal microfinance methodologies and approaches.

1.6    Providing mentoring, advisory, facilitation, training, and consultancy services to members, stakeholders, targeted beneficiaries and other related organizations.

1.7    Coordinating and regulating Informal Microfinance Practitioners and controlling of malpractice as well as setting minimum operational standards in the sector.

1.8    Become a member’s capacity building focal point, a resource and documentation centre for sharing of information among practitioners and other stakeholders.

1.9    Providing Research, Monitoring and Evaluation support services to members, local and international organizations.

Informal Microfinance Development in Tanzania

Given the current profile of the financial markets, the importance of the informal financial services cannot be overstated; MMD replication is growing fast including community village bank (VICOBA), “Vituo vya Jamii vya Kuondoa Umaskini” (VITOVU) or Community Centres for Poverty Eradication (CEPE), etc. This being the case there are currently many practitioners promoting informal financial groups of diverse forms operating in different areas (geographical and sector wise) and the number is increasing. A number of informal models, approaches and practices in the sub sector are being implemented across the country. There is therefore a wealth of experience in the field which needs to be shared among practitioners. For years now, these practitioners have existed without any form of authority and network to safe guard their interests and those of their targeted beneficiaries, monitor their operations and share experiences.

TIMAP is a “new boy in the block” to explore possibility of formation of network/forum of practitioners to make sure that more professionalism and standards are incorporated in the informal financial sub sector. This will make more efficient and effective. This organization aims to support the growing of informal microfinance sector and address the complexities linked to the livelihoods of the poor. The genesis of the organization was based on an analysis that the poor continue to teeter on the brink of subsistence due to lack of access to key resources, services, information and markets. Lack of social and financial capital further perpetuates their vulnerability and weakens their ability to participate effectively and integrate them into the mainstream economy.