Rikolto backs 40 young agripreneurs with 40m/- grants

• Programme supports youth-led businesses in Dodoma, Singida through mentorship and market linkages

DODOMA: FORTY young agribusiness entrepreneurs from Dodoma and Singida have received grants totalling 40m/- through a programme hosted by Rikolto to help expand youth-led businesses, create jobs and strengthen Tanzania’s food systems.

The support was awarded under the Generation Food Accelerator (GFA), implemented through the Vijana Kilimo Biashara (VKB) Project, which seeks to turn agricultural innovations into viable enterprises by equipping young people with business skills, mentorship and access to finance and markets.

The awards were presented during the programme’s Demo Day held recently in Dodoma, bringing together young entrepreneurs, agribusiness companies, potential investors and other stakeholders to showcase business solutions and explore opportunities for investment and partnerships.

The programme attracted 731 applications from aspiring agripreneurs in the two regions. Of these, 100 were selected for a boot camp to strengthen their entrepreneurial and business management skills, while 40 advanced to intensive mentorship and coaching covering business models, investment readiness, access to finance and market linkages.

During the Demo Day, the top 10 finalists pitched their business ideas, competing for part of the 40m/- prize pool.

Beatrice Richard, founder of Bethely Fresh Farm in Kibaigwa, Kongwa District, emerged overall winner and received 4m/-. She said the grant would enable her to double monthly production from 50 to 100 bags, expanding her business and increasing income.

“I sincerely thank Rikolto, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Mastercard Foundation for providing young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship and business development support,” she said.

Mohamed Sanda, founder of Miaz Enterprise in Kondoa, came second and received 2.5m/-. He said the funds would help him purchase more raw materials, increase production and expand his workforce from two to three employees.

Zuhura Haji, founder of Safi Layers Enterprises in Kibaigwa, Kongwa District, took third place, receiving 1.5m/-. She plans to use the money to purchase two chicken cages to reduce poultry deaths and disease-related treatment costs.

Contestants ranked fourth to tenth each received 1m/-, while those placed 11th to 30th shared a further 25m/- in grants.

Representing WFP, Supply Chain and Logistics Officer Isaac Mathe said the programme had supported young entrepreneurs through mentorship, business advice and connections with strategic partners.

He said women accounted for 53 per cent of the 100 entrepreneurs selected for the second phase, adding that 38 businesses had formalised their operations through registration, licensing and tax compliance.

“The programme has also contributed to the creation of 43 jobs, while participating entrepreneurs were pursuing additional capital and wider market opportunities,” he said.

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Speaking on behalf of the Rikolto East Africa Director, the organisation’s Project Coordinator, Shukuru Tweve, said the achievements demonstrated that agriculture could become a competitive business and a source of employment rather than merely a subsistence activity.

He said continued collaboration among the government, financial institutions, the private sector and development partners was necessary to improve young entrepreneurs’ access to capital, markets and technology.

The project is funded by the Mastercard Foundation, with WFP as the prime partner and Rikolto as an implementing partner.