YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMPOWERED VIA "DARAJA LA MAFANIKIO" BRIDGE TO SUCCESS SEMINAR

Mercy Kitomari who is the Founder and CEO at Nelwa's Gelato giving her success story to the young entrepreneurs during the “Daraja la mafanikio” seminar which aimed at empowering youth entrepreneurship. The seminar took place recently at the JNICC organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Bank M. On her right is Excel Group CEO, Deogratius Kilawe, Maria Sarungi who was the event moderator (top left) and Ahad Katera from Guavay Co.

A full day seminar called “DARAJA LA MAFANIKIO” (Bridge to Success) which was organized by The American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania (AMCHAM-TZ) in partnership with Bank M took place last Saturday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam marking a tremendous success in mobilizing Tanzanians in building a growing economy. The seminar focused on youth entrepreneurship and shared practical ways Tanzanians can start and build successful businesses for employment creation and improved living standards. The seminar hosted about 1,000 attendees including students and young entrepreneurs.

The high turnout indicated that entrepreneurship is a sector which needs to be promoted at the national level.

Mr. Richard Miles, Producer of the Daraja la Mafanikio 2016 for AMCHAM-TZ, said “It’s very exciting to see the efforts taken by young Tanzanians to identify problems, develop solutions, and establish businesses. Our seminar combined not only professional guidance from experts, but also showcased young Tanzanians who are out there building successful businesses right now. I think participants learned as much from their examples, and hopefully were inspired to go out and start businesses of their own for income generation, wealth creation and employment.”

AMCHAM-TZ Board member Gaidi Faraj expressed his feeling regarding the outcome of the event. "As an association of corporate members, we see many gaps in the market, gaps that spell opportunity for entrepreneurs who take advantage of them. We hope this event will pave way for starting up dozens of successful businesses."

Ms. Jacqueline Woiso, Bank M’s Deputy CEO who were the main sponsors of the event, speaking after the seminar said “I’m very excited, this seminar has made us feel very proud that we have supported a programme which has large impact to the community especially the youth.

The expert presenters included Miranda Naiman of Empower, Deborah Tien of Twende, Richard Miles and Fatma Fernandes of Abel & Fernandes. Following the presentations was a Panel Discussion moderated by Maria Sarungi. The panel was made up of young entrepreneurs from different sectors including Fatma Fernandes and Miranda Naiman, as well as Julius Shirima of Darecha, Deogratius Kilawe of Excel, Godfrey Magila of Magilatech, Ahad Katera of Guavay, Mercy Kitomari of Nelwa’s Gelato, January Ching’engya of Ancient Travelers / BECO and Abir Ibrahim of Inua Naturals. The discussion was followed by a lively question and answer session.

Apart from Bank M who were the main sponsors of the event, other sponsors included DAI, G4S, Khanga Rue Media, MMI Tanzania, CBA, EY, Best Western, Seacliff Court, Pepsi, TAYOA, Kiscafe, Print Galore, Kisima water, Excel Management, City Engineering & Africa Insight Advisors.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania was registered in 2010, and is a member organization made up of over 125 businesses investing and working in Tanzania. AmCham-TZ operates independently and without financial assistance from any government.