Tanzania's Tarebi Programme Empowers Young Entrepreneurs with Solar Energy Grants

Strategic Insights -

The Dar es Salaam-based IMED Foundation's Tarebi Programme has selected 12 young entrepreneurs from three administrative regions to receive Sh1.8 million grants each to establish solar energy companies. The program aims to develop a supportive environment for clean energy for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Tanzania. The entrepreneurs, who were previously technicians, have completed a two-year programme in solar energy and have received training in entrepreneurship, human resource management, and financial records management.

Key Takeaways:

  • 12 young entrepreneurs from three administrative regions have received Sh1.8 million grants each to establish solar energy companies.
  • The Tarebi Programme aims to develop a supportive environment for clean energy for MSMEs in Tanzania.
  • The selected entrepreneurs have completed a two-year programme in solar energy and have received training in entrepreneurship, human resource management, and financial records management.
  • The programme has a total of 230 applicants, with 44 selected to join the programme, consisting of 35 males and 9 females.
  • The programme's project manager, Ms Aika Donath, emphasized that the gender factor was taken into consideration to create a balance between males and females.
  • The selected incubatees have at least completed Ordinary Level secondary school education and are holders of a Certificate in Solar Installation from a recognized Vocational Training Center (VTC).
  • The Tarebi Programme has provided training in various skills, including good entrepreneurial behavior, human resource management, financial records management, life skills, sales and marketing, customer care, business planning, and related technical skills.
  • The programme also provided guidance on working with solar equipment distributors to build trust required to receive supplies on credit.
  • The entrepreneurs have established their own companies, with Simon Mwakasasa, one of the beneficiaries, expecting to earn up to Sh800,000 per deal.
  • The IMED Foundation aims to continue serving new technicians next year with an increased number of beneficiaries and a learning time frame.
  • The programme is aligned with the Inclusive National Entrepreneurship Strategy (INES) designed by the government to develop skills of Tanzanians in creating and growing businesses.

Statistics:

  • 12 entrepreneurs received Sh1.8 million grants each to establish solar energy companies.
  • 230 young graduates applied to join the Tarebi Programme.
  • 44 applicants were selected to join the programme.
  • The programme consists of 35 males and 9 females.
  • The selected incubatees have completed Ordinary Level secondary school education.
  • The programme has provided training in various skills to 44 applicants.
  • The programme aims to continue serving new technicians next year with an increased number of beneficiaries.

Sources:

  • The Citizen
  • IMED Foundation
  • National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC)