Dodoma. A disabled entrepreneur from Dodoma, Mr Mwita Marwa Maki, has commended the government for empowering him economically through a TSh10 million loan, which he says has significantly transformed his life and business.
The loan, issued under the government’s special 10 percent fund allocated to women, youth and persons with disabilities, enabled Mr Maki to establish a metal workshop in Sabasaba area, where he now manufactures assistive devices such as tricycles for people with disabilities, as well as gates, windows and other metal products.
Mr Maki shared his story on Friday when Vice President Dr Philip Mpango visited the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) pavilion, ahead of opening the Annual Meeting of Regional and Council Medical Officers held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma from July 11 to 13, 2025.
“I am grateful to the government for this life-changing opportunity. With the support I received, I now have a fully operational workshop and earn a decent income by producing assistive devices that help other people with disabilities,” Mr Maki said.
A graduate of Yombo Vocational Training Centre in Dar es Salaam, Mr Maki underwent two years of training in metalwork and welding, a skill he says laid the foundation for his current entrepreneurial journey.
His work has not only improved his livelihood but has also contributed to the wider community by offering affordable mobility equipment. Each of his locally made tricycles is sold for less than TSh1.5 million.
Impressed by his efforts, Vice President Mpango described Mr Maki as a symbol of resilience and innovation, calling on other Tanzanians to emulate his determination.
“Mr Maki is a great example of how disability should not be viewed as a limitation. He has proven that with the right support, people with disabilities can succeed in business and uplift others in the process,” said Dr Mpango.
He urged parents and guardians to send children with disabilities to school so they too can acquire skills and contribute to the economy, citing Mr Maki’s journey as a demonstration of what is possible.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities who are pursuing entrepreneurship, adding that the government would continue creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic participation.
Presenting progress on investments and coordination of primary health services, PO-RALG’s Director of Health, Dr Rashid Mfaume, said Mr Maki is among the notable beneficiaries of the 10 percent loan initiative who has used the funds to establish a viable business that provides affordable and practical mobility solutions.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to empower marginalised groups and promote inclusive development across all sectors.