UN Women, TWCC in project to train 8,000 entrepreneurs

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) has launched Twende Sokoni Afrika programme that targets to train over 8,000 Tanzanian women and youth in entrepreneurship and trade by December this year.

The launched programme backed by Trademark Africa and UN Women, was launched today at Hyatt Hotel in Dar es Salaam officiated by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo.

When officiating the launch, the Minister underscored the vital role of peace in facilitating trade and economic growth across Africa, and warned against instability saying it hinders the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the “Twende Sokoni Afrika” programme, Dr Jafo stated, “Peace is the bridge that connects trade, but it can also become a barrier if not preserved. For AfCFTA to thrive, stability and collaboration across the continent are paramount.”

Dr. Jafo highlighted that while AfCFTA offers immense opportunities for economic transformation, its success depends on the inclusion of women and youth in trade initiatives. He emphasized the need for targeted empowerment programs to equip these groups with the skills and resources necessary to compete in regional and global markets.

The “Twende Sokoni Afrika” programme, spearheaded by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) in collaboration with TradeMark Africa and UN Women, aims to train over 8,000 women and youth in entrepreneurship and trade by December this year.

TWCC President Mercy Sila noted that the programme will focus on equipping participants with knowledge about the AfCFTA framework and preparing them to seize opportunities in cross-border trade. “Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap and empower women and youth to compete effectively in regional and international markets,” she remarked.

The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, international organizations, and entrepreneurs, who lauded the initiative as a significant step toward fostering economic inclusion.

The “Twende Sokoni Afrika” program will roll out immediately, targeting participants from various regions across Tanzania. It will focus on capacity-building sessions covering entrepreneurship, business management, and strategies for engaging in AfCFTA markets.

Dr Jafo concluded by urging all stakeholders to maintain peace as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable trade development across Africa, reiterating that without peace, the vision of a unified and prosperous trade network cannot be realized.