DC calls for business reforms for entrepreneurs

MBEYA District Commissioner, Mr Beno Malisa has underscored the need for business reforms for both small and medium entrepreneurs to enable them to operate their businesses in a friendly environment and contribute to economic growth.

DC Malisa made the remarks during the celebration of Standards Day in Africa held in the Mbeya Region noting that small and middle entrepreneurs in the country are faced with various business challenges including capital shortages, poor technology and little knowledge on standardising which are slowing them down their production capabilities.

According to the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), at least 95 per cent of businesses in the country are operated by both small and medium entrepreneurs, contributing to approximately 35 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generating at least 40 per cent of the country’s employment.

DC Malisa said that when entrepreneurs are exposed to challenges, they have minimal chances of making good productions and also boosting their economic status which is highly affecting the industrial economy.

“Most of the entrepreneurs in the country are facing economic challenges which are also affecting the country’s economy…if reforms are to be implemented, will enable them to operate their businesses well and also will help the country to make a step from poverty and boost the national income,” said DC Malisa.

DC Malisa also called upon the manufacturers in the country to consider safety and manufacturing standard products to fulfil their set goals including capturing the local markets.

TBS Director of Standards Development, Mr David Ndibalema said apart from the education seminars conducted regularly by the bureau to small and middle entrepreneurs, and the entire public, the government allocates the fund every year to serve the entrepreneurs during the quality of standard verification of their products.

He added that upon the verification implementation, TBS has managed to give the quality of product mark to 1,515 entrepreneurs in the country while others are still in various steps to be given the quality mark.