Tanzanian women benefit from training on digital access, financial literacy

DAR ES SALAAM: MASTERING digital access and financial literacy is the major theme of the meeting that has drawn 100 women from the Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, and the diaspora in Dar es Salaam today.

Parading the Road to Financial Freedom banner, the meeting is a flagship programme by Accelerate Women aimed to equip women with the skills, confidence, and networks to invest in bonds, stocks and real estate.

Speaking at the event, Bernice Fernandes, the Chief Executive Officer of Accelerate Women, said the training responds to a growing demand among women for investment knowledge.

“We met around 100 women today to give them financial and investment education—covering opportunities in banking, stocks, bonds, and real estate. We believe that when a woman learns how to grow her business or invest her money, the whole community benefits. Through this programme, women are gaining the courage to take new steps toward financial freedom,” Fernandes explained.

The programme also drew strong participation from financial institutions and private sector partners. Abui Mrusi, the Managing Director of PADDCO Real Estate, noted that property investment remains one of the most promising sectors for women.

“Investing in real estate is investing in the future. Tourism continues to drive real estate in Zanzibar and Tanzania, and women can no longer be left behind. With international partnerships, we can expose more Tanzanian women to these opportunities instead of limiting them to traditional household roles,” he said.

Banks also signaled their commitment to empowering women investors. Eline Mwakyoma of Azania Bank Plc, attending as a sponsor and participant, highlighted the importance of digital access and financial literacy.

“This platform gave me new insights and networks. Many women are unaware of opportunities such as mortgages, bonds, or digital financial tools. With the knowledge gained here, I feel empowered to educate others and broaden financial inclusion,” she said.

The initiative aligns with global efforts to close the gender wealth gap and supports Tanzania’s commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Organisers stressed that empowering women to invest is not only a local economic strategy but also a step towards ensuring Tanzania’s stronger participation in regional and international markets.

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By the end of the programme, Accelerate Women aims to ensure at least 100 women begin investing in at least one asset class, with more than 60 opening accounts in platforms such as the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), UTT AMIS, and Treasury bonds.

“Women want to invest despite challenges. With the right knowledge and tools, they can move from admiration of global success stories like Oprah Winfrey to building their own wealth journeys here in Tanzania,” Fernandes added.