Mbeya Women Entrepreneurs: The Epitome of Resilience

Mbeya is one of the regions in Tanzania which is considered as the food baskets of the country. When we planned to have a roadshow in Mbeya we had expectations but the entrepreneurs in Mbeya exceeded all our expectations.Their commitment, resilience and stories of Change are inspiring and humbling. Most of the women entrepreneurs in this region have invested in creating businesses in the agribusiness value chain to include value addition to the food produces in Mbeya contributing to reducing post harvest loss of food and vegetables that are abundantly grown in Mbeya.

Visiting some of the entrepreneurs we work with put meaning and purpose in our work, a reminder of why we do what we do.?

From Madam Rose who runs Rohi Company Limited that makes banana crisps that are addictive ( in a very good way) and work with more than 500 farmers and has employed 5 young people living with hearing disabilities.

To meeting the innovative Elizabeth Mwakalinga making egg powder whose story proved to us that age is just a number (innovating beyond 65+). Before joining the programme she hold this idea but when we started having conversations about innovation she decided to start working on it and I was amazed by the way she had personally modified some available machines to fit her needs.

I also relived childhood memories at Sebadom Youghurt by Ms. Anaty who gave us a taste of goodness, working with more than 150 farmers while providing employment to single mothers and children who were forced out of their homes.

I will never forget the visit to the real chocolate factory, Mababu Chocholate where Naomi took us through a journey of adding value to the cocoa locally grown in Mbeya, from tree to bar. She shared with us the challenges that come with setting up a business in Mbeya including cultural barriers. I enjoyed the process and savored the different tastes of chocolates that are made there, I still have some??.

All these entrepreneurs told a similar story of how support from different stakeholders is critical to revolutionize their businesses. From business development services, access to market and finance to the technical coaching support offered by The Gra?a Machel Trust Women Creating Wealth Programme ,there is still so much to be done. They also stressed on the importance of entrepreneurs to seek knowledge and information which is easier when they are member of well organised women business networks. Most of the women entrepreneurs expressed their desire to get support that speaks directly to their business needs that include machinery and technical know how to make sure they increase production, produce quality goods and serve their existing markets as well as enter new markets.

My gratitude to Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) ?Mbeya chapter through our Host NABW- TZ for hosting us for an information session as well as a masterclass with the entrepreneurs on access to finance to include the Mbeya Municipal and @Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA)