By Khelef Nassor:
In a significant step towards empowering women and boosting Zanzibar's economy, 20 women entrepreneurs from Uzi, Bungi, Unguja Ukuu, and N'gambwa have successfully completed entrepreneurship training. This training was conducted under the ZanzAdapt project, funded by the Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the Community Forests Pemba-CFP in collaboration with Community Forests International-CFI, Tamwa-Zanzibar, and Afrika CSID.
During the certificate award ceremony, CFP Executive Director Mbarouk Mussa Omar highlighted the organization's role in empowering women through the ZanzAdapt project. He emphasized CFP's commitment to providing women with the necessary skills and support to achieve economic independence.
"We are delighted to be part of this transformation," said CFP Director Mbarouk Mussa Omar during the ceremony. "We believe that empowering women is crucial for Zanzibar's sustainable development."
The seven-day training, held at Karume Institute of Science and Technology, equipped the entrepreneurs with skills to produce high-value products using agricultural produce.
"We have learned to make jam, juice, masala tea, pickles, and many other products," said Zainab Waziri, one of the graduates. "These skills will help us improve our lives and those of our families."
Another entrepreneur, Hidaya Ameir, added, "This practical training will be very helpful to me. Now I have gained the confidence to continue producing and marketing my products. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received."
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| The ZanzAdapt` entrepreneurs being happy after graduating and receiving their certificates |
Acting Principal of Karume College, Khamis Khalid, commended CFP for choosing the college as the venue for the training. "We recognize the importance of empowering women and are happy to collaborate in these efforts," he said.
Zulpher Bashir, CFP's Social Enterprise and Gender Equality Officer for Unguja zone, who coordinated the training, explained that the training had focused on both theory and practice to ensure that, the entrepreneurs had a complete understanding of the entire production and marketing process.
"We expect these entrepreneurs to be able to start their own businesses and contribute to the growth of Zanzibar's economy," said Bashir.
While this training has been a significant step, the entrepreneurs still face several challenges, including access to loan, markets, and modern equipment for processing their products. However, they remain hopeful.
"We are grateful for this training, but we need more support," said Sabra Khamis, another entrepreneur. "We need loans to buy equipment and raw materials, and we need markets to sell our products."
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| An entrepreneurship trainer Mr. Salim from the Karume Institute of Science and Technology conducting a training session for entrepreneurs. |
The ZanzAdapt project has demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, in promoting women's empowerment. By working together, these stakeholders can create an enabling environment for women to succeed in entrepreneurship and increase their income.
This training is just the beginning of a long journey. To achieve the goals of boosting Zanzibar's economy and improving women's lives, it is essential to continue investing in training, mentoring, and financial support for entrepreneurs.
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