In an effort to enhance the capacity of institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Tanzania, CRDB Bank Foundation has conducted specialised training for officials from the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), and local government authorities from Mwanza, Tanga and Pemba regions.
The training is part of the implementation of the Inclusive Financial Services for Women and Youth-led MSMEs (IncluCities Project SASA), which aims to increase access to financial services and development opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs.
Opening the three-day training, CRDB Bank Head of Agribusiness Services, Shaaban Maregesi, said the programme was organised following an assessment that identified areas requiring further improvement despite the institutions having experienced staff and strong operational systems.
He mentioned key areas requiring enhancement as entrepreneurship advisory services, financial management, small and medium enterprise (SME) appraisal, customer care, and the use of digital systems in service delivery.
“There is a great opportunity to continue strengthening the capacity of these institutions so they can provide more efficient services to citizens and help them grow their businesses,” Maregesi said.
The IncluCities Project SASA is implemented through a partnership between CRDB Bank Foundation and international development organisation Enabel. So far, the project has reached more than 200 beneficiaries in Tanga, Mwanza and Pemba, while over 50 entrepreneurs have benefited from business support capital worth more than 400 million Tanzanian shillings.
Maregesi said CRDB Bank Foundation’s goal is to ensure institutions serving women and youth have greater capacity to support them in joining the formal economy, expanding their businesses and accessing financial services more easily.
“The success of women and youth entrepreneurs largely depends on the ability of institutions around them to provide quality, appropriate and timely services. This is why we continue investing in strengthening the capacity of these institutions,” he said.
Participants are expected to gain skills in six key areas, including entrepreneurship development, financial management, good governance and institutional leadership, SME appraisal, customer service, and the use of digital technologies to improve service delivery.
According to CRDB Bank Foundation, its partnership with SIDO, ZEEA, local government authorities and Enabel aims to create a better environment for entrepreneurs, increase employment opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth in Tanzania.
Beyond this project, the foundation continues to work with the government through various empowerment programmes, including the Inuka and Zanzibar Blue Economy initiatives, as well as providing loan guarantees for entrepreneurs trained through SIDO.
The training is expected to improve services offered by partner institutions, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and empower women and youth to effectively utilise available economic opportunities to grow businesses, create jobs and increase income.
