Executives define new industrial standards

DAR ES SALAAM: FEMALE leaders have been encouraged to take a more active role in shaping Tanzania’s industrial and digital future, with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and financial inclusion.

The call was made during the Accelerate Women Executive Summit 2026 held recently in Dar es Salaam, which brought together women from technology, finance, and public institutions under the theme “Power and Purpose” to discuss leadership and emerging opportunities in the economy.

Opening the summit, Founder of Accelerate Women, Ms Bernice Fernandes, challenged participants to reflect on their identity and potential, saying many women continue to underestimate their influence.

“Many women underestimate their potential and the influence they carry. We must ask ourselves, who am I, where do I come from, and what am I capable of, and step boldly into leadership and purpose,” she said Representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Director General, Dr Ashura Katunzi, emphasised the importance of standards and formalising businesses.

“Quality assurance is not optional if you want to grow,” she said.

“When your business meets national standards, it builds trust, opens markets, and allows you to scale sustainably.”

She added that the government continues to support women through policies and institutions that create an enabling environment for business growth.

On the technology front, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of HustleSasa, Michael Genuh, highlighted the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business operations.

“AI is no longer the future, it is the present,” he said. “Women entrepreneurs must learn how to use these tools to improve productivity, understand their customers, and make better decisions.”

Chief Information Officer of Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr Emanuel Mwanyiku, also stressed the importance of digital skills in today’s economy.

“If you do not embrace technology, you risk being left behind, we want to see more women equipped with digital skills that will help them compete and grow,”

Mr Mwanyiku said He further encouraged participants to enrol in an AI training programme offered free of charge to support their digital transformation journey.

Speaking on investment, Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) ICT Manager, Davis Kiondo, urged women to expand their financial strategies beyond running businesses.

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“Running a business is important, but investing is what builds long-term wealth. Capital markets provide an opportunity to secure your future financially,” he said On personal branding, Marketing Director of Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL Group), Ms Fatema Dewji, emphasised the importance of visibility and authenticity.

“Your personal brand is your reputation,” she said.

“People must understand who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring.”

During the CEO Power Panel, Ms Tabia Massudi of Assemble Insurance, Prudence Masoko of CARE International, and Sharmila Bhatt of Softech Consultants shared their leadership journeys and the challenges they faced.

“Leadership is not easy, but it is possible,” one of the panellists noted.

“It requires discipline, courage, and the willingness to keep going even when the odds are against you.”

The summit provided a platform for women to gain knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen their role in driving Tanzania’s economic transformation.