UDBS launches entrepreneurship training programme for women in Tanzania
By Zamda George, CMU
In a significant step towards fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and leadership, the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) has launched a comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training programme tailored for women entrepreneurs and leaders in Tanzania.
Speaking during the official opening of this programme, which marked a pivotal moment in advancing women's empowerment in Tanzania, on 14th March, 2024 at UDSM, Mr. Yohane Kaduma, the Managing Director of the Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) Trust commended UDSM for conducting this relevant initiative towards inclusiveness and women empowerment.
He highlighted the importance of various organisations’ commitment and readiness to help the society achieve inclusiveness, with a significant focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.
“PASS Trust has set initiatives relevant to empowering women, and we are committed to collaborate with the University of Dar es Salaam Business School in delivering the training programme and support women in accessing finance for their businesses”, said Mr. Kaduma.
Meanwhile, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor- Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, underscored the University's dedication to fostering inclusive development through initiatives including conducting entrepreneurship, finance and business management short and long courses.
“The alignment of these programmes with the University's vision of promoting sustainable and inclusive development is key and thus the partnerships with industry players such as PASS Trust aims to maximize impact”, said Prof. Killian.
Holistic approach application
Dr. Latifa Mbelwa, the Dean of UDBS, said the programme’s value laid in its holistic approach to equipping participants, who came from both public and private sectors, with essential skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management.
“With a focus on practical application and access to finance, the programme aims to empower women entrepreneurs to navigate contemporary business challenges and contribute meaningfully to economic growth”, said Dr. Mbelwa.
Dr. Mbelwa expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders and institutions supporting the programme, including the unwavering commitment of the University management and PASS Trust’s readiness to collaborate with UDSB in the programme’s offering particularly in facilitating access to finance for women in agribusiness.
She said the programme would run for one month from 14th March to 5th April, 2024 and it covers topics such as leading and entrepreneurial strategy; human resources and organisational management; marketing and value chain management; finance for growth; and managing the business environment.
She said that the programme’s history dated back in 2009 under the support of the Goldman Sachs Foundation. “This reflects our longstanding commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Over the years, UDBS has trained and mentored numerous participants, fostering tangible economic growth through collaborations with financial institutions and industry partners”.
Ms. Maida Waziri, an alumna of this course from many years back, shared her transformative journey during the event, narrating how the course propelled her from a Class Seven contractor to a Class One contractor, earning national and regional awards along the way.
Prof. Neema Mori, Director of Public Services (DPS), conveyed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and facilitators, and urged them to seize the opportunity, engage actively, and leverage acquired skills to drive personal and business success.