DAR ES SALAAM: WOMEN entrepreneurs supported by the Equal Opportunities for All Trust Fund (EOTF) have generated more than 1.8tri/- in sales over the past 28 years, highlighting the growing economic influence of women-led businesses and their contribution to Tanzania’s private sector.

The sales were recorded through participation in local and international trade fairs and exhibitions, reflecting years of investment in business training, market access and mentorship programmes aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises.

The milestone underscores how targeted support for women entrepreneurs is translating into commercial growth, higher incomes and job creation, while helping small businesses access regional and global markets.

Speaking during the launch of a capacity-building programme for women entrepreneurs on Tuesday, EOTF Chairperson Ms Anna Mkapa said the fund’s longrunning initiative has evolved into a key platform for building competitive businesses owned and managed by women.

“This programme has become a powerful vehicle for empowering women entrepreneurs through practical business training, expanding their access to markets and creating employment opportunities across the country,” she said.

Since its inception, the programme has benefited approximately 7,300 women entrepreneurs, with nearly 6,800 participants taking part in trade fairs and exhibitions in the country and abroad to showcase and market their products.

The latest training programme has brought together 250 women entrepreneurs from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar ahead of the upcoming Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

Participants are receiving training in business registration, digital marketing, and access to finance, product development and customer service.

EOTF Deputy Executive Director, Ms Nyaso Gama said demand for the programme continues to rise, reflecting increasing recognition among women entrepreneurs of the value of business development skills.

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Although the fund initially planned to train 250 participants this year, registrations had already exceeded expectations, reaching between 260 and 270 entrepreneurs on the opening day.

“The growing number of participants each year demonstrates that women entrepreneurs are seeing tangible benefits from the programme and recognising the value of the skills and knowledge gained through the training,” Ms Gama said

. For some participants, the programme has opened doors to international markets. Prof Dorcas Kibona, a researcher and specialist in natural food products, said the training helped her improve product quality, strengthen branding and expand into export markets.

Through the programme, she commercialised banana flour, a health-focused product targeted at people living with diabetes and consumers seeking healthier dietary alternatives.

The product is now exported to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Her experience illustrates the broader potential of womenled enterprises to move beyond local markets, create valueadded products and contribute to Tanzania’s export earnings.

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