In a significant stride towards promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and leadership, the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) has introduced a comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training program specifically designed for women entrepreneurs and leaders in Tanzania.
The official inauguration of this program, held on March 14, 2024, at UDSM, marked a pivotal moment in advancing women's empowerment in Tanzania. Mr. Yohane Kaduma, Managing Director of the Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) Trust, lauded UDSM for spearheading this initiative aimed at inclusivity and women's empowerment.
During the event, Mr. Kaduma emphasized the importance of organizations' commitment to fostering inclusivity, particularly by supporting women entrepreneurs. He pledged PASS Trust's collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam Business School to deliver the training program and facilitate women's access to finance for their businesses.
Prof. Bernadeta Killian, UDSM's Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration, reiterated the university's dedication to promoting inclusive development through initiatives such as entrepreneurship, finance, and business management courses. She highlighted the significance of partnerships with industry players like PASS Trust to maximize the program's impact.
Dr. Latifa Mbelwa, Dean of UDBS, underscored the program's holistic approach in equipping participants from both public and private sectors with essential skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management. Emphasizing practical application and access to finance, Dr. Mbelwa stated the program's goal to empower women entrepreneurs to address contemporary business challenges and contribute to economic growth effectively.
Dr. Mbelwa expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and institutions supporting the program, including the University management's unwavering commitment and PASS Trust's readiness to collaborate in facilitating access to finance for women in agribusiness.
The program, scheduled to run from March 14 to April 5, 2024, will cover topics such as entrepreneurial strategy, human resources management, marketing, finance, and business environment management. Dr. Mbelwa highlighted the program's inception in 2009, supported by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, reflecting UDBS's longstanding commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Ms. Maida Waziri, an alumna of the course, shared her transformative journey during the event, illustrating how the program propelled her from a Class Seven contractor to a Class One contractor, earning national and regional accolades along the way.
Prof. Neema Mori, Director of Public Services (DPS), extended gratitude to all participants and facilitators, urging them to seize the opportunity, actively engage, and leverage acquired skills to drive personal and business success.