16.0 Closing comments: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

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References: Learning to change: Skills development among the economically vulnerable and socially excluded in developing countries - By International Labour Organization

In recent years, Tanzania has embarked upon the economic recovery process and is
continuing to build upon and address the needs of MSMEs. Key informants from the
MIT-SME Section acknowledged the current and future potential of women
entrepreneurs and, although seriously under-resourced for the tasks ahead, the SME
Section is enthusiastic and committed to working with the international donor
community to support this target group. Coordination of all support efforts is crucial. A
mechanism for achieving this is recommended – either an officer fully dedicated to the
development of women’s enterprise or the establishment of a more formal Office for
Women’s Enterprise Development (OWED).

Tanzanian women entrepreneurs need greater access to affordable technical and
entrepreneurship training. In cases where the focus is on technical training along sector
lines (e.g., food processing, soap-making), more entrepreneurship and business
management skills training need to be provided. Market needs and exposure to broader
trading areas must be addressed.

For women engaged in cooperative initiatives in rural areas, exposure to similar
activity practices (e.g. the “cottage industry” model) in other countries would help to
introduce product development ideas and expose them to good production and marketing
practices.

Women in both rural and urban areas need more consistent access to training
opportunities and to a wider range of business development services (BDS).
Younger women are reported to have an interest in more innovative economic
activities, and this should be encouraged by way of exposure, education, technical
training and business support, perhaps supplemented by small business and technology
incubators.

For the benefit of women already operating enterprises that have growth potential,
the removal of financial constraints by way of a loan guarantee programme is essential.
In addition, the bureaucratic barriers to formalizing an enterprise must be modified and
made more user and growth-friendly. Otherwise many MSEs operating in the informal
economy will be prevented from making the transition to formalization and achieving
growth. Improving the availability of proper business premises and marketing outlets
will help women increase production and sales.

Measures are needed to encourage the formation of more WEAs and to engage
these associations in membership growth. More value-added BDS and other information
services must be made available to members. Working with individual WEAs to form a
national alliance would give a stronger voice to the needs and concerns of women-owned
MSEs and help raise the profile of women entrepreneurs among governments, lending
institutions and community-support organizations.

Finally, the creation of a favourable entrepreneurial environment for women
entrepreneurs is extremely important. In addition to stronger promotion of women
entrepreneurs, this may require changes in some of the laws and cultural practices that
discriminate against women or deny them equal rights and opportunities. In addition,
there is a great need for gender mainstreaming initiatives in the public and private sector,
as they affect women’s enterprise development.

Few women expand their enterprises – this issue has lacked both attention and
support. The recommendations in this country chapter are designed to address some of
the major gaps in the support environment for growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in
Tanzania.

1.2 Mission Objectives: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

8.0 Promotion of women’s entrepreneurship: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

1.3 Methodology: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

1.1 Background and Introduction: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

Wanted: jobs for Africa’s youth - Broadening consultation

4.0 The state of women’s enterprises in Tanzania: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

10.0 Training – business management and technical skills: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

6.1 The informal sector: Gender Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Africa 2007

7.0 Policy/programme coordination and leadership: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

17.0 References: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

5.4 Inclusion of women in the SME Development Policy: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

4.2 The profile of growth-oriented women: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

15.0 The state of research on women in MSES in Tanzania: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

13.0 Business environment issues: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

9.3.3 Other micro-finance providers: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

11.0 Business support and information: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

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References: Learning to change: Skills development among the economically vulnerable and socially excluded in developing countries - By International Labour Organization

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16.0 Closing comments: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

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