The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) has introduced the Twende Sokoni Afrika program, aiming to train over 8,000 Tanzanian women and youth in entrepreneurship and trade by December.
The initiative launched today at the Hyatt Hotel in Dar es Salaam, is supported by TradeMark Africa and UN Women.
The event officiated by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, who emphasized the critical role of peace in fostering trade and economic growth across Africa.
He warned that instability threatens the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Peace is the bridge that connects trade, but it can also become a barrier if not preserved. For AfCFTA to thrive, stability and collaboration across the continent are paramount,” Dr. Jafo stated during the launch.
He highlighted that AfCFTA presents significant economic opportunities, but its success hinges on the active participation of women and youth.
He stressed the importance of tailored empowerment programs to equip these groups with the necessary skills and resources for competitiveness in regional and global markets.
TWCC President Mercy Sila also noted that Twende Sokoni Afrika will focus on educating participants about the AfCFTA framework and preparing them for cross-border trade.
“This initiative seeks to close the knowledge gap and empower women and youth to compete effectively in regional and international markets,” she explained.
The event gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and entrepreneurs, who noted that the program is a crucial step toward economic inclusion.The Twende Sokoni Afrika program will be rolled out nationwide across Tanzania, providing capacity-building sessions on entrepreneurship, business management, and strategies for accessing AfCFTA markets.
Dr. Jafo called on stakeholders to uphold peace as a foundation for sustainable trade development, reaffirming that a unified and prosperous trade network cannot be achieved without stability.
