In Tanzania, Islamic insurance rests on the Takaful Operation Guidelines issued by TIRA in 2022 and on two Zanzibar-based operators, ZIC Takaful and First United Takaful, whose gross contributions reached about 4.1 billion shillings in 2024.
TIRA, the supervisor of Tanzanian insurers
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority supervises the whole market. It is headed by Dr Baghayo Saqware, Commissioner of Insurance and chief executive. TIRA sets the conditions for carrying on takaful business and publishes the sector's contribution data.
The 2022 Takaful Operation Guidelines
In 2022, TIRA issued Takaful Operation Guidelines, announced to take effect in May 2022. This text provided the regulatory foundation that allowed the first takaful companies to launch in the country the following year, starting in Zanzibar.
ZIC Takaful, subsidiary of Zanzibar's state insurer
ZIC Takaful is the dedicated subsidiary of the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation and Tanzania's first Islamic insurer. The President of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, inaugurated it in July 2023. The company is headed by Said Abdallah Basleym.
First United Takaful, the second market player
Launched in Zanzibar at the end of January 2024, First United Takaful became the country's second takaful operator. Its managing director is Abdulnassir Ahmed Mohamed. Both companies are therefore based in the semi-autonomous archipelago, the birthplace of Tanzanian takaful.
CRDB Al Barakah, a bank distribution channel
Since February 2024, CRDB Bank has sold ZIC Takaful products through its CRDB Al Barakah Banking unit: motor, home, fire, business, transit and machinery. This Islamic banking arm, created in 2021, claims more than 135,000 customers and 125 billion shillings financed.
Products open to non-Muslims
The ZIC Takaful policies sold by CRDB are available to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A non-Muslim trader in Dar es Salaam can therefore insure stock under takaful, provided they accept the principle of tabarru mutual donation and the sharia exclusions.
Contributions up sevenfold in a short time
According to TIRA data, gross takaful contributions reached about 4.1 billion shillings in 2024, against some 541 million previously. The rise is modest in absolute terms, but it reflects the arrival of two operators and the reach of the CRDB network.
Insuring an asset financed by an Islamic bank
A vehicle bought under murabaha or premises leased under ijara from CRDB Al Barakah must be insured. The customer can choose takaful car insurance from ZIC Takaful, sold at the bank counter, keeping financing and cover consistent.
Public awareness still lagging
A review published in May 2026 notes that takaful is spreading across East Africa but faces a gap in public understanding. Many policyholders do not know the difference between the donation to the fund, management charges and the allocation of any surplus.
Tanzania compared with its East African neighbours
Kenya adopted takaful rules in 2015 and Uganda comprehensive regulations in 2025, yet Tanzania already has two active operators. For comparison, see Ugandan takaful and its first licence, granted to Tamini in 2026.
Life and health lines: check what is really offered
The documented ZIC Takaful products cover property and business risks. For savings, death cover or health, no takaful range has been confirmed; ask both operators directly and read the policy wording of any conventional alternative before committing.
Pilgrimage and repatriation from Tanzania
Tanzanian pilgrims travelling to Mecca should check the assistance included in their agency package. For repatriation of a body to Zanzibar or the mainland, check cost limits, timescales and compatibility with a prompt burial.
How to take out a takaful policy in Tanzania
- Check with TIRA that the operator, ZIC Takaful or First United Takaful, is properly authorised to carry on takaful business.
- Choose the channel: an operator office in Zanzibar or a CRDB Al Barakah Banking counter for ZIC Takaful products.
- Ask for the contract model, wakala or mudaraba, and the sharia committee's written opinion on the product.
- Compare the contribution, the operator's charges and the rule for sharing any underwriting surplus.
- Read the exclusions and excess, especially for machinery and goods in transit.
- Report a claim in writing within the stated deadline, attaching invoices, photos and a police report.
Factors that set the cost of a takaful policy
| Item | What it is for | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution to the fund | Pays participants' claims | Asset value, use, location, history |
| Management charges | Pay the managing operator | Contract rate depending on the model chosen |
| Investment share | Goes to the operator under mudaraba | Performance of compliant investments |
| Distributable surplus | May go back to participants | Annual claims experience and provisions |
| Excess | Part of the loss left to the policyholder | Type of cover and amount selected |
| Distribution commission | Pays the intermediary, for example the bank | Sales channel and distribution agreement |
Documents to give the takaful operator
- National ID card (NIDA) or passport
- Proof of address
- Vehicle registration card
- Title deed, lease or stock inventory for business premises
- CRDB Al Barakah murabaha or ijara contract for a financed asset
- Business licence and tax number (TIN) for a company
Missteps to avoid in Tanzania
- Thinking every product sold in a CRDB branch is takaful, when the bank also distributes conventional policies.
- Confusing the distributing bank with the insurer: when a claim arises, ZIC Takaful pays, not CRDB.
- Assuming a life or health takaful range exists without confirming it with the operators.
- Forgetting that third-party motor insurance is compulsory, even where no compliant takaful option is available.
- Settling for a sales promise about the surplus that is not written into the policy conditions.
Tanzanian takaful in questions
Which insurers offer takaful in Tanzania?
Two operators are confirmed: ZIC Takaful, a Zanzibar Insurance Corporation subsidiary launched in July 2023, and First United Takaful, launched at the end of January 2024. Both are based in Zanzibar. ZIC Takaful products are also sold by CRDB Bank.
Do you need to live in Zanzibar to buy cover?
No. Thanks to the agreement with CRDB Bank, ZIC Takaful products are distributed through the CRDB Al Barakah Banking network on the mainland. It is still wise to check at the counter that each cover is available in your region.
Can a non-Muslim Tanzanian join a takaful fund?
Yes. ZIC Takaful products sold by CRDB are explicitly open to Muslims and non-Muslims. The customer joins the participants' fund and accepts sharia-compliant management rules, including the exclusion of certain investments.
How can I tell whether a policy is truly compliant?
Ask for the operator's sharia committee opinion and the management model used. The International Islamic Fiqh Academy and AAOIFI accept cooperative insurance based on mutual donation; the compliance of a specific product nonetheless depends on its structure.
Takaful operators and organisations
Takaful Insurance of AfricaKenya-based takaful insurer offering cover such as motor, fire and property in line with Sharia principles.Takaful EmaratUAE takaful operator specialising in health and family protection cover for individuals and businesses.Al Rajhi TakafulSaudi takaful operator offering Sharia-compliant motor, health, home and protection cover.Indicative list: assuranceislamique.com has no commercial link with these organisations. Always check the licence with the local regulator.