The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt), through its Think Equal Lead Smart (TELS) programme implemented in partnership with the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation and in collaboration with the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce, convened the third TELS Knowledge Session in Dodoma to explore what it takes for a youth-led business to become finance-ready.
Held under the theme “What Does It Take for a Youth-Led Business to Become Finance-Ready?”, the engagement focused on the practical barriers many entrepreneurs continue to face when attempting to access and responsibly use capital.
Discussions explored the importance of financial discipline, savings behaviour, business records, reinvestment, digital financial tools, and stronger understanding of financing pathways in supporting enterprise growth.
Speaking during the session, Head of Projects at the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt), Ms. Hawa Urungu, noted that the session builds on insights emerging through previous TELS engagements across Tanzania, where entrepreneurs consistently highlighted that while training strengthens confidence and business awareness, access to finance remains one of the most significant barriers affecting growth.
Experiences shared through earlier interventions also demonstrated that businesses are often better positioned to expand when knowledge is supported by stronger financial systems and access to practical financing opportunities.
“Young entrepreneurs across Tanzania are already contributing significantly to economic activity across different sectors. However, many businesses continue to struggle with the financial systems and structures required for expansion. Strengthening understanding around finance readiness, business discipline, and access pathways becomes important in helping entrepreneurs build more sustainable enterprises,” she explained.
She revealed that in the third knowledge session, participants engaged in practical discussions on financial inclusion, business discipline, savings and reinvestment, and the realities youth entrepreneurs face when transitioning from informal survival businesses to more structured, growth-oriented enterprises.
Discussions also explored the role partnerships can play in strengthening access to information, networks, and financial support systems for young business owners.
Representing the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), Deputy Chairperson, Naima Nyange, emphasised the importance of creating stronger support ecosystems for youth and women entrepreneurs operating within informal and semi-formal sectors.
“Many young entrepreneurs continue to face barriers linked to collateral requirements, limited financial history, and low awareness of available financing opportunities. Creating more practical engagement around financial readiness helps strengthen confidence and improves how entrepreneurs position themselves for growth,” she said.
Youth entrepreneur and session participant, Co-founder of Mama Health, Salma Nguku, said many small business owners often struggle to understand what financial institutions expect from businesses seeking financing.
“For many young entrepreneurs, business growth depends largely on small profits and personal savings because accessing finance can feel difficult and intimidating. Discussions like this help simplify financial systems and make it easier to understand what businesses need to improve before seeking capital,” he said.
Another participant, an entrepreneur, Meshack Tweve, noted that the session strengthened her understanding of how financial discipline influences long-term business sustainability.
“Small businesses sometimes focus mainly on sales and daily operations without paying enough attention to records, savings, or proper financial management. The session helped explain why these areas are important when preparing a business for financing and growth opportunities,” she said.
TELS programme continues to serve as a platform for strengthening inclusion, enterprise development, and leadership through practical engagements that support women and youth entrepreneurs across Tanzania. Insights from the Dodoma session are expected to inform future interventions focused on financial inclusion, enterprise support, and sustainable business growth for youth-led businesses.
