KILIMANJARO: THE National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC), through its Economic Strengthening Programme with Mama Samia (IMASA), is urging women’s groups, youth and special groups in the Kilimanjaro Region to enhance innovation in business and entrepreneurship.
During the launch of the IMASA programme in Kilimanjaro yesterday, NEEC Executive Secretary Beng’i Issa emphasised that the initiative aims to empower these groups to manage larger businesses and improve their families’ quality of life.
“We recognise that Kilimanjaro has significant business opportunities, particularly in tourism, coffee farming and other agricultural sectors,” said Ms Issa, highlighting the need to boost these activities to better meet customer demands.
She noted that the tourism sector in Kilimanjaro benefits from the influx of tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, creating substantial opportunities for tour operators, as well as providers of food, health and entertainment services.
This contributes significantly to the government’s foreign currency earnings.
Ms Issa praised local small business owners for their reliability in serving tourists and their professional conduct. She also highlighted the potential for crops like coffee, which have overseas market opportunities through the programme.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC) Nurdin Babu welcomed the programme, expressing commitment to ensuring the region benefits from it.
“I encourage residents to collaborate with us to maximise the benefits of this programme. I urge district commissioners, directors and rickshaw transportation leaders to continue enhancing services in the tourism sector,” he said.
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President’s Adviser on Women’s Affairs, Ms Sophia Mjema, encouraged groups to properly join and register so IMASA can empower them based on their business and entrepreneurship activities.
“The goal is to enable participation in various sectors, including tourism and agriculture,” she explained, adding that crops like coffee need value addition to access international markets.
Ms Mjema also mentioned that the programme aims to support groups involved in rickshaw transportation, enabling them to eventually own vehicles, and to help food vendors aspire to establish restaurants.
Ms Winie Masawe, a resident of Moshi in Kilimanjaro, expressed optimism about the IMASA programme supporting her business in producing liquid soap and peanut snacks.
“I am self-employed and have been in this business for a year. My hope is that through IMASA, my capital will grow, allowing me to achieve my economic dreams,” she stated.
Another entrepreneur, Mr Shukuru Gau, shared that he has received entrepreneurship training and looks forward to improving his life through small business ventures.
He noted that many small business owners struggle to grow due to a lack of capital but believes this programme will facilitate their economic advancement.
Mr Gau encouraged fellow young people to join the initiative.