From trophies to trees: CSR awards cementing legacies

This gala wasn’t just about sipping champagne in the midst of Tanzanian heat-it was a night that brought together the French, Tanzanian, and international business communities to recognize and celebrate companies that have invested in the environment and people’s well-being.

Here, the second edition of the CSR Trophy in 2024 was all about acknowledging businesses making a significant impact, and it also served as a platform for fostering stronger ties between the corporate world and social responsibility. 

Under the leadership of French Ambassador to Tanzania, Anne Sophie Avé, the night was a combination of business excellence, social responsibility, and a touch of good old French flair.

But it wasn’t just another awards ceremony. No, this event was a statement about the true value of environmental sustainability and social investment, especially in a country where these areas aren’t just buzzwords-they are vital to the economy.

Ambassador Avé set the tone early in the evening with her thoughtful reflections on why environmental and social values matter so much to Tanzania. In a country where tourism is the number one pillar of the economy, the natural environment plays an irreplaceable role.

The pristine wildlife, vast landscapes, and unspoiled natural beauty attract millions of tourists every year. Protecting these assets is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for the country’s future.

But there’s another key player in this equation: the people. According to the Ambassador, you can’t do anything without talented, motivated people. Without them, no amount of investment or resources will ever yield success.

It’s this understanding of the interwoven importance of both environment and people that makes CSR initiatives in Tanzania so important. As she put it, “You do not attract bees with vinegar,” and the business climate, though challenging, is evolving in a way that is becoming more investment-friendly.

It wasn’t all business talk, though. Ambassador Avé had a bit of good news to share. She mentioned the ongoing dialogue between Tanzanian officials and French taxation authorities to establish a non-double taxation agreement between the two countries.

This agreement, if signed, would be a game-changer, opening up more avenues for investment and smoother business transactions between France and Tanzania.

The French side has made great strides, but negotiations will continue for about another year, and we can expect some developments toward the end of 2025. For now, it’s a hopeful step forward for both governments and businesses alike.

It was time for the evening’s centerpiece: the presentation of the CSR Trophy. Companies that had shown outstanding commitment to environmental protection, social development, and good governance had been selected as nominees. The competition was fierce, with many impressive entries from both small and large businesses alike.

The first award went to AfriCraft, an organization that has been in Tanzania for over 23 years. AfriCraft’s President, Kelvin Nicholaus, received the trophy for his company’s commitment to pro-forest management, waste reduction, and creating value from seemingly discarded materials.

The company works closely with local communities, teaching environmental responsibility to the youth and adults alike. The impact was clear, with AfriCraft turning waste into over 500 different products. A creative force to be reckoned with, AfriCraft embodies the spirit of sustainability through hands-on, community-based action.

Nicholaus expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the company’s efforts as a continual challenge: “This is more of a boost to do more,” he said, underscoring the importance of staying committed to environmental causes.

His pride in AfriCraft’s achievements was evident, and it was clear that the company would continue to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainability.

Next up was Twiga Cement, which took home the award in the “major player” category. Yves Mataigne, the Head of Commercial Cluster East, South, and Central Africa for Twiga Cement, was humbled by the recognition.

He spoke candidly about the cement industry’s concern about the environmental impact, noting that cement production accounts for 25 per cent of all CO2 emissions in Tanzania. But Twiga Cement, as a major global player, isn’t just talking about sustainability—they’re actively implementing strategies to reduce their environmental footprint.

Mataigne highlighted that, in Tanzania, the company has made impressive strides, such as planting 50,000 trees to offset emissions and promoting local decision-making around their sustainability practices.

As he pointed out, the efforts weren’t limited to corporate headquarters; it’s the local teams who are driving real change. This award, he said, was a testament to their tireless work on the ground.

Both companies represented different facets of CSR in Tanzania. AfriCraft’s grassroots approach contrasted with Twiga Cement’s large-scale efforts, but both were united in their commitment to creating a better future through environmental and social responsibility.

The event didn’t just highlight the achievements of the winners; it also served as a reminder of the larger picture.

The partnership between French and Tanzanian businesses is vital, and initiatives like the CSR Trophy help build bridges between the two nations.

The award wasn’t just about a pretty trophy and a speech-it was about inspiring others to take action, to think bigger, and to consider the long-term impact of their business decisions.

For the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, the event marked a successful year, with new members joining the Chamber, business forums strengthening connections between France and Tanzania, and training programs pushing the envelope in areas like HR, Law, Finance, and Taxation.

These efforts were all part of the grand vision for a more sustainable and investment-friendly environment in Tanzania.

The future is bright, and for those at the French Embassy, it’s clear that they’re just getting started.

As they plan a grand French-style gala dinner and other significant events for 2025, the business community in Tanzania can look forward to even more opportunities for networking, collaboration, and growth.

In the end, the CSR Trophy wasn’t just a night to celebrate winners-it was a call to action.

A reminder that whether you’re a small company like AfriCraft or a major industry player like Twiga Cement, each business has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future for the French-Tanzanian Commerce of Chamber. 

The night may have ended with clinking glasses and heartfelt applause, but the real work continues, and it’s clear that Tanzania’s business community is up for the challenge.

And as the Ambassador so wisely put it, “We do not attract bees with vinegar.” Indeed, it seems that, with the right investments in the environment and social responsibility, Tanzania’s future looks honey-sweet.