More than 26,000 retailers working with Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) are set to benefit from business skills training and digital financial solutions under a new partnership between the brewer and Vodacom Tanzania.
The two companies have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to equip retailers with practical skills in financial management, stock control, sales, marketing and customer service, as businesses increasingly turn to technology to improve their operations.
The Retailer Development Programme, to be implemented under the theme “Growing Innovatively Together” (GRIT), will also expose participating retailers to digital and financial solutions aimed at improving efficiency, managing cash flows and supporting business growth.
The first training session is scheduled to take place in Mwanza on September 16, 2026.
TBL Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs Neema Temba said supporting retailers with skills and technology was important because their performance directly affects businesses across the company's distribution chain.
“For TBL, retailers are an important pillar of our business and economic growth. Through our partnership with Vodacom Tanzania, we are investing in skills, technology and business sustainability to enable them to grow their operations and benefit from new opportunities,” she said.
The programme will provide training in business and financial management, cash-flow management, stock management, sales and marketing, customer service, entrepreneurship and responsible business practices.
Retailers will also be introduced to digital tools and financial services that can help them conduct transactions, manage their finances and improve day-to-day business operations.
Vodacom Business Director Nguvu Kamando said technology could help small businesses improve productivity while widening their access to financial services.
“Small businesses are a backbone of Tanzania’s economy. Through the partnership between TBL and Vodacom Tanzania, retailers will have access to tools, knowledge and technology to improve their businesses, increase productivity and unlock sustainable growth opportunities,” he said.
Under the agreement, Vodacom will provide information and access to services including SME Bomba, M-Wekeza, Lipa kwa M-Pesa and M-Koba.
The companies said the programme would combine physical training with digital platforms, while monitoring and evaluation would be used to assess its impact on participating businesses.
The partnership comes at a time when digital payments and financial technology are becoming increasingly important to small businesses, allowing traders to receive and make payments, manage finances and access services without relying entirely on cash.
For the participating retailers, the focus will be on turning those tools into practical business gains through better financial planning, stock management and customer service.
The two companies said the programme would ultimately contribute to stronger entrepreneurship, digital adoption and financial inclusion among retailers across Tanzania.