GREEN WOMEN BUSINESS FUND

The GWBF aims at tackling the access issues to financial and business development services that these women experience. This includes providing financial resources, technical assistance, and capacity building/training to support the transition of their farm/rural undertakings from the informal to the formal sector, thereby enhancing their economic sustainability and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.The businesses will span land-related undertakings e.g. agriculture, horticulture, agro-forestry, livestock rearing/dairying, etc. or non-land related activities like service provision, processing of agricultural products, marketing, etc.

The GWBF complements the existing "Ukijani project" in Singida and Simiyu.

GWBF is a strategic initiative aiming at promoting environmental sustainability while empowering women entrepreneurs. By supporting green businesses run by women, the project fosters eco-friendly practices that reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Through access to financial resources, training, and business growth opportunities, the project will empower women economically, socially, and environmentally. This initiative not only advances gender equality by creating a platform for women to thrive in green industries but also has a positive community impact by generating job opportunities, promoting environmental awareness, and fostering sustainable practices.

Furthermore, investing in green women entrepreneurs stimulates innovation, drives economic growth, and influences policy agendas towards more sustainable and gender-inclusive practices. Overall, the initiative represents a transformative approach that combines economic empowerment with environmental stewardship, creating a more inclusive, resilient, and eco-conscious business environment for women entrepreneurs.

Project goal: Resource poor women are socially and economically empowered, are more resilient and contribute to improved family livelihoods and community landscape restoration. Specifically women entrepreneurs / women groups have setup and/or strengthened their nature-based green businesses, inspired by nature-based solutions, to address their socio-economic challenges and engage at the same time in ecosystem protection and restoration.

Project Direct Beneficiaries are: 600 women from Simiyu and Singida regions

Local partners: Women entrepreneurs, Village Saving and Lending Associations (VSLA), local service providers (LSP) and successful entrepreneurs/companies, local government authorities, private sector actors as well as local NGOs

TRACKING PROGRESS: EMPOWERING WOMEN, BUILDING RESILIENCE

Reach, Training & Mentorship: The Green Women Business Fund (GwBF) reached 498 women entrepreneurs across Singida and Simiyu regions, equipping 489 (83%) with practical business development skills and sector-specific knowledge in areas such as beekeeping and value addition through its Nature-Based Green Business Incubation Programs. To ensure sustained enterprise growth, 316 (53%) women entrepreneurs were linked to experienced business mentors who provided coaching and technical guidance, ultimately leading to the creation of 43 new employment opportunities.

Formalization, Market Linkages & Access to Finance: Through strategic partnerships with LGAs, BRELA, GET AROMA, SIDO, SCANCODE, TWCC, and TLSPA, the project supported 211 women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses and improve market readiness. Additionally, 17 partnerships and market linkages were established, enabling 222 women entrepreneurs to expand their market reach and customer base. On the financial front, 211 (81%) women received direct financial support (181 through cofinancing and 30 through FIs), with a total of TZS 115,814,000 (CHF 38,078) disbursed to green businesses.

Knowledge Sharing, Evaluation & Future Impact: The project also prioritized knowledge exchange and impact assessment, conducting an Integrated Business Development Needs Assessment and Economic Viability Assessment in Manyoni and Singida regions in collaboration with consultants. Furthermore, 3 exchange visits and peer-to-peer learning sessions were held at key sites including Mbeya Food Park, Mpanda Processing Unit, Sustainable Cooking Energy, and Intertech Company Limited. Overall, GwBF combines economic empowerment with environmental stewardship, fostering an inclusive, resilient, and eco-conscious business environment for women entrepreneurs while contributing to gender equality and sustainable development in Tanzania.