Dar es Salaam, May 16, 2025 – The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, today visited the Machinga Complex in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, as part of his ongoing official visit to Tanzania.
The visit aimed at recognizing the role of grassroots entrepreneurship, particularly among women supported by UN Women.
Upon arrival at the market, President Stubb was welcomed by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, and other senior government officials.
Speaking during the visit, President Stubb commended the efforts of women entrepreneurs who showcased a wide range of locally made products.
“I am deeply impressed by the creativity and determination of these women. What they are doing here is not only building their livelihoods, but also contributing meaningfully to the economy,” he said.
He also took a moment to appreciate the hospitality he received from Tanzanians. “Tanzania has shown me warmth and generosity at every step. The spirit of community here is remarkable,” the Finnish President remarked.
Minister Dr. Dorothy Gwajima noted that the visit was a strong signal of international recognition for the country’s women-led micro-enterprises.
“This visit inspires confidence in the work being done by our women. It shows that their efforts are not going unnoticed, even at a global level,” she said.
Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila added, “We are proud to welcome President Stubb to Dar es Salaam. His visit to the Machinga Complex affirms the importance of empowering small-scale entrepreneurs as agents of sustainable development.”
The Machinga Complex is home to hundreds of small traders and has become a hub for women-led businesses.
Many of them receive support through initiatives by UN Women focused on economic empowerment and gender equality.
President Stubb's visit highlights Finland’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive development and its strong bilateral ties with Tanzania.