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| Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Mr. Elia Mbise speaking to Think Equal Lead Smart (TELS) programme participants implemented in partnership with the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) to provide business training to more than 100 women entrepreneurs at the TWCC pavilion during the ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (SabaSaba). |
The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt), through its Think Equal Lead Smart (TELS) programme implemented in partnership with the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), has provided business training to more than 100 women entrepreneurs at the TWCC pavilion during the ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (SabaSaba).
The training aims to strengthen participants' business skills and support the growth of their enterprises.
The sessions focused on modern entrepreneurship, business innovation, the use of digital tools, value addition, identifying reliable markets, and the importance of maintaining proper financial records to improve business performance and sustainability.
Speaking during the training, which was held under the theme "Learn More, Build Confidence and Value Yourself," Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Mr. Elia Mbise, urged participants to move away from running businesses based on habit and instead adopt professional business management practices.
He emphasized the importance of keeping accurate records of purchases, sales, income, and operating expenses, saying this would enable entrepreneurs to monitor business performance, identify their best-selling products, and make informed business decisions.
"It is important to fully understand the business you are running, expand your customer network, and strengthen your market influence while maintaining a vision for growth by following sound business principles, even if you start with limited capital," said Mr. Mbise.
He added that many entrepreneurs give up when faced with market challenges instead of learning from changing market trends and customer demands and developing new strategies to grow their businesses.
Participants said the training had provided valuable knowledge that would help them improve the management of their businesses, particularly as many continue to face challenges related to limited capital, access to finance, and reliable markets.
One of the participants, Ms. Rose Patrick from Tanga, who operates a spice-processing business, said the training had equipped her with practical skills to improve her enterprise despite the financial challenges she faces.
Another participant, Ms. Halima Fundi from Dodoma, who runs a poultry and tailoring business, thanked the organizers, saying the knowledge gained would help her expand her markets, add value to her products, and manage her business more efficiently.
Speaking on behalf of the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, Foundation Manager Ms. Sandra Oswald said the TELS programme aims to empower women to grow their businesses and participate more effectively in economic activities by providing practical business knowledge and skills.
"We are pleased to see women entrepreneurs from different regions of Tanzania receiving training that will help them add value to their products, embrace technology in business, and maintain proper financial records so their businesses can continue to grow," she said.
During the training, Ms. Fatma Omar Kibwana and Ms. Fadhila Athumani Mgumia emerged as winners of the TELS Business Kiosk Competition, with each receiving TSh500,000 as seed capital to support the expansion of their businesses.
Speaking after receiving the awards, the two winners said the recognition would motivate them to grow their enterprises further.
"Personally, this award has given me greater motivation to invest more in my business and pursue my dream of becoming one of Tanzania's leading entrepreneurs," said Ms. Fatma.
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| A cross section of Think Equal Lead Smart (TELS) programme participants implemented in partnership with the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) in a group photo after attending a business training offered to more than 100 women entrepreneurs at the TWCC pavilion during the ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (SabaSaba). The training aims to strengthen participants' business skills and support the growth of their enterprises. |
Ms. Fadhila said she had not expected to win the competition and pledged to make good use of both the training and the prize money to expand her business.
The programme organizers said they will continue to monitor the progress of the winners and other participants by providing mentorship and business advisory support to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of their enterprises.
