By Alfred Zacharia
YAS Tanzania has stepped up efforts to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups, through a structured capacity-building programme aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills and digital tools to support business growth and sustainability.
Through its YAS Business division, in collaboration with the French-Tanzania Chamber of Commerce (FTCC), the telecommunications company has launched a six-month “Masterclass Series” designed to help startups navigate the complex early stages of building and scaling businesses.
The programme brings together nearly 60 startups and focuses on strengthening core business capabilities, including financial management, marketing, business strategy, digital transformation and technology adoption.
YAS Business Head of SME, Gabriel Ndobho, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting young enterprises that play a critical role in job creation and economic development.
“Startups are a key driver of economic growth and employment creation. Through this programme, we are equipping entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and digital solutions that will help them build resilient and competitive businesses,” Mr Ndobho said.
He added that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to combine business education, digital innovation and financial empowerment in order to strengthen Tanzania’s growing SME ecosystem.
The training also introduces participants to practical tools such as the Business Model Canvas, which breaks down key elements of a business including customer segments, revenue streams, cost structures, operations and strategic partnerships.
Experts say the approach is intended to help entrepreneurs develop a clearer understanding of how their businesses function beyond day-to-day operations.
Speaking during the programme, Road to Success Country Director Rodrick Nabe urged startup founders to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset focused on solving real community challenges rather than waiting for large capital injections before launching businesses.
He said many successful businesses start small and grow steadily through discipline, teamwork and adaptability.
“Entrepreneurs can start with limited resources and scale over time if they have the right vision and are willing to build strong teams,” Mr Nabe said, noting that reluctance to delegate remains one of the major barriers to startup growth.
He also encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of digital marketing, social media platforms and artificial intelligence tools as cost-effective solutions for improving visibility and operational efficiency.
Representing Charge Africa Limited, Tony Mlela described the programme as an important platform for strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, noting that many startups struggle with balancing financial management and broader business strategy.
He said the training helps bridge gaps by exposing entrepreneurs to more holistic business management practices that go beyond cash flow and cost tracking.
Industry stakeholders say initiatives such as the YAS Masterclass Series are increasingly important as Tanzania seeks to expand its digital economy and build a more resilient private sector driven by innovation and technology adoption.
