Govt urges women to seize business growth opportunities

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has encouraged women to capitalise on opportunities designed to foster favourable business environment, helping them expand into both local and global markets.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Felister Mdemu, (who oversees the women and gender desk), made the call in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, during the opening of a training programme for 40 women from East African Community (EAC) countries on gender-sensitive procurement laws and services.

“The training will open doors for Tanzanians, exposing them to opportunities and helping them learn how to engage in business while adhering to procedures and regulations,” she said.

The training, organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the ‘SheTrades initiative’ and coordinated by the East African Business Council (EABC), aims to empower women entrepreneurs.

She said that the government has created a favourable environment for women to enter business, citing the availability of a 10 per cent loan scheme that women can utilise to grow their businesses, boost the economy, and improve family welfare. She also noted that the training brought together women entrepreneurs from EAC countries to share experiences, with Tanzanian women eager to explore new business opportunities, given the clear avenues available.

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“Today, they are learning about procurement laws in Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi so that they are well-prepared when entering these markets,” she said. EABC Business Manager, Mr Frank Daffa, said that the training was aimed to educate women on gender-sensitive procurement laws and services. “Our goal is to empower women with the information they need and connect them to various networks under ITC, helping them succeed in the global market,” he said.

He added that the 40 women entrepreneurs, along with stakeholders from service-providing institutions, are being educated about the opportunities in gender-sensitive procurement for women.

Stakeholders from procurement authorities are also providing insights into the laws in their respective EAC countries, helping women understand how they can benefit from these services.

Ms Filis Wanjiru, from ITC, said through SheTrades initiative, they are working to create platforms in various regions to support businesses in developing countries, with a focus on enhancing international trade. She said that the training addresses procurement, a critical area where globally, women have only a 1.0 per cent chance of winning tenders.

“These training sessions aim to help women broaden their business opportunities,” she said.

The President of the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), Ms Mercy Silla, said that through the training, women are gaining a better understanding of how procurement laws are applied in business transactions.