Entrepreneur program helps young women in Tanzania

Upon graduating from the commerce degree program at the University of Dar es Salaam Business School in Tanzania, Adelaide Issaya Mwasyoghe, 28, knew she wanted to start her own business one day.

Growing up in an East African country known for its great history and vast landscape, Adelaide saw potential in starting her own company as a way to give back to her community.

“The people are friendly, the culture is rich, and the country is one of the most peaceful in the world,” Adelaide says. “I was able to get a good education through the support of my family.”

But not every young woman in Tanzania has the support and opportunity to pursue an education like Adelaide. There are many challenges to success, including the lack of opportunities in the area.

“The traditional role for women and girls in Tanzania is of a caretaker and homemaker,” she says, adding they also are expected to provide an income.

When Adelaide learned about the entrepreneur program provided by Cuso International, in partnership with Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), she was thrilled. The program helps budding entrepreneurs transform their innovative ideas into vibrant businesses in their communities and is projected to create more than 400 new jobs in Tanzania.

With a passion to start her business venture, Adelaide decided to visit the SIDO Iringa regional office. “I had been told of the support SIDO was providing business start-ups like mine, and I was encouraged to join,” she says. “The experience has been magnificent since the first day I arrived.” The team has helped Adelaide develop her business idea – and she is now producing avocado oil, which she brands as Orchard Pure Avocado Oil.

“My vision is to improve the livelihood of avocado farmers through actions that will minimize post-harvest losses,” Adelaide says. “There is an existing demand for avocado oil, and it is growing rapidly worldwide because of its health benefits.”

Adelaide says that the success of her business will support her family and her community. Her goal is to grow her business into a global brand and one day provide employment opportunities to other girls and women in her community.

“My hope for the future of women in Tanzania is that we will achieve equality and opportunities for every woman to achieve their potential economically and socially. “If the SIDO program didn’t exist, I would not be who I am today,” she says.