The Tanzanian government has urged financial institutions, local authorities, and the private sector to increase support for young agribusiness entrepreneurs. This call was made as 40 young entrepreneurs from Dodoma and Singida received grants totaling 40 million Tanzanian shillings under the second phase of the Generation Food Accelerator. The program aims to create jobs, raise incomes, and accelerate economic growth through investment in the sector.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng Athumani Kilundumya, emphasized that young people need access to capital, skills, technology, business advice, and markets to turn agricultural opportunities into viable enterprises. He noted that agribusiness extends beyond crop production to include seed production, mechanization services, supply of farm inputs, produce collection, storage, processing, and marketing. This, he said, presents numerous opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Eng Kilundumya highlighted the importance of young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, which contributes about 26.4 percent of Tanzania's Gross Domestic Product and supports over 65.5 percent of Tanzanians through employment. He urged banks and other financial institutions to improve financial literacy and make loans more accessible to young people with viable business ideas. Local government leaders and community development officers were also called upon to help young people access loans set aside for women and youths.
Under the second phase of the Generation Food Accelerator, 731 applications were received, and 100 entrepreneurs were selected, including 60 from Dodoma and 40 from Singida. Forty beneficiaries received grants worth a combined 40 million Tanzanian shillings to establish or expand their businesses, while 10 others received special awards for innovation, resilience, and business growth. The project is implemented by Rikolto in partnership with the World Food Programme and funded by the Mastercard Foundation.
The program targets young people aged 18 to 35 in sorghum, sunflower, vegetable, and fruit value chains. WFP Supply Chain and Logistics Officer Isaac Mathe said the program has helped young entrepreneurs develop their businesses through mentorship, advisory services, and connections with strategic partners. He noted that women accounted for 53 percent of the 100 participants, while 38 businesses have formalized their operations through registration, licensing, and tax compliance.
The program has also contributed to the creation of 43 jobs. Project Coordinator Mr Shukuru Tweve emphasized that continued cooperation among the government, financial institutions, the private sector, and development partners is essential to ensuring young people can access capital, markets, and technology. This cooperation aims to build resilient food systems in which young people are recognized as innovators, investors, and leaders of economic transformation.
The government and its partners are working to ensure that young entrepreneurs can access the necessary resources to succeed in the agricultural sector. By supporting young agripreneurs, Tanzania can unlock the potential of its youth and accelerate economic growth. The program's impact is expected to be felt in the coming years as the selected entrepreneurs establish or expand their businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the country's economic development.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has called on financial institutions to increase support for young agribusiness entrepreneurs to create jobs and accelerate economic growth.
