Her business, our future
DAR ES SALAAM: FORGET the headlines focusing on balance sheets and corporate announcements. The real story buzzing at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) is the electrifying spirit of Tanzania’s women entrepreneurs.
They’re not just showcasing products, they’re demonstrating resilience, ingenuity, and a fierce determination to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the nation.
Walk through the pavilions, and you will encounter an inspiring array of creativity from processed foods that tantalize the taste buds, vibrant textiles, innovative cosmetics, and traditional remedies passed down through generations.
These are more than goods for sale, they are tangible expressions of dreams, hard work, and incredible potential. At the heart of this vibrant display is the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) pavilion housing about 200 women entrepreneurs from across the nation, a powerful engine for progress.
Their presence at the DITF shows their commitment to providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to shine. It’s about more than marketing, it’s about forging connections, gaining exposure, and unlocking new growth opportunities.
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A TWCC member and processed goods entrepreneur, Ms Janeth Munisi said the fair, and the support they receive, has played a major role in her growth. “I have been able to expand and create employment for other women.” Her story echoes the experiences of many, proving that when women are empowered, communities transform.
The message across the fair is clear, women are not just participants in the economy, they are pioneers. More organizations are recognizing this, offering vital resources like financial education, tailored loans, and digital tools that break down traditional barriers.
Accessing a business loan via mobile phone is now a reality, democratizing opportunity and placing power in the hands of visionary women.
This focus on empowering women is more than a feel-good initiative, it’s a strategic investment in Tanzania’s future. By equipping women with skills and capital, the nation nurtures an entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens society.
TWCC Executive Director, Dr Mwajuma Hamza, said that this year’s fair brought together over 200 women entrepreneurs from across the country, one of the largest delegations ever facilitated by the chamber.
“We appreciate partners like NMB and CRDB Bank Foundation, whose support has been instrumental in equipping our members with the tools they need to succeed,” said Dr Hamza.
She said their financial products, training programmes, and market linkages are helping women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and thrive. NMB Bank, for example, is engaging women at the fair through its Mwanamke Jasiri initiative, a platform offering tailormade financial solutions for women.
NMB representatives are providing access to financial literacy programs, mobile banking services, and loans of up to 1mil/- through NMB Mkononi, with no collateral required. CRDB Bank Foundation, in collaboration with TWCC, is empowering women entrepreneurs through the Imbeju Programme, which provides capital, business training, and market connections, particularly for small and growing enterprises.
These efforts directly address the challenges women face in scaling their businesses and accessing finance. So, next time you hear about the DITF, remember the faces behind the stalls, the women turning ambition into tangible success.
Their products carry more than value, they carry vision. And their stories are reshaping the very landscape of Tanzania’s economy.
