• Population - 43,601,796 (July 2012 est.)
• Maternal and infant mortality
• Life expectancy - 53
• Median age – 19
• Literacy – 69%
• Labor force – 80% agriculture
• Unemployment – n/a
• 36% below poverty line
• Inflation – 11%

One of the world's poorest economies per capita, Tanzania depends heavily on agriculture for its exports and employment. Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death in Tanzania, with pregnant women and infants being at highest risk. An estimated 16 million episodes of malaria are reported annually, resulting in 60,000 deaths - 80% of them among children under age 5.

Origins: MEDA was first involved in Tanzania between 1965 and 1983 through investments and small business loans. It has since worked extensively in the financial, agricultural and health sectors. In the 1980s MEDA spearheaded an oxenization project (use of oxen in agriculture).

From 1994-2003, MEDA was involved in the Micro-Enterprise Business Development Program in Tanzania, which strengthened micro-credit service organizations with staff training, credit management, advice on management information systems and the development of quality standards. Two credit facilities developed in Mbeya and Dar es Salaam eventually merged into the National Microfinance Bank. MEDA also provided extensive monitoring and technical assistance to 52 rural savings and credit cooperatives under the Tanzania Rural Financial Services Program from 2003-2008.

Since the early 2000s MEDA has been recognized as a major player in the fight against malaria through accessibility to mosquito nets. In 2004, MEDA became involved in building commercial supply chains for mosquito nets, an important tool in the fight against malaria. In recent years, MEDA has delivered 33 million nets in Tanzania as a preventive measure against malaria in both its voucher program and mass coverage "catch up" campaigns, aimed at achieving 80% coverage. This has resulted in a significant increase in net use and more than 180,400 lives saved.