Digital entrepreneurship in the offing as women empowerment takes off at UDSM
By Zamda George, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam has organised a graduation ceremony for 26 women entrepreneurs of the second batch of its unique Entrepreneurship and Business Management Programme for empowering women through education and mentorship.
The momentous event held in Dar es Salaam on 13 February 2025 manifested how the six-months programme was a testament to the commitment of the University in fostering business growth and women empowerment.
Speaking at this event, the Guest of Honour, UDSM Chief Corporate Counsel and Secretary to Council, Prof. Saudin Mwakaje, commended the success of the programme and expressed his wish to see it going digital to capture a wider audience.
"Going digital will help us reach more aspiring women entrepreneurs and enhance the impact of this initiative. The University is committed to ensuring the continuation of the project, with emphasis on mentorship in the training as key pillar in business growth”, said Prof. Mwakaje.
Meanwhile, Prof. Goodluck Urassa of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), underscored how the programme has positively influenced women entrepreneurs, their businesses, and family prosperity. “This initiative is essential in elevating household income and ensuring long-term financial stability”.
The Director of Public Services, and whose directorate coordinates the programme, Prof. Neema Mori, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience and extended her heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators, mentors, coordinators, and first-batch alumni who supported the programme and attended the event.
She reiterated the directorate’s commitment to continuing education and ensuring that such programmes reach wider audience. "This is only the beginning of greater things ahead”.
The courses covered in this initiative included leadership and entrepreneurial strategy; human resources and organisational management; marketing and value chain management; finance for growth; and managing the business environment.
University’s dedication to community service
Dr. Robert Suphian, Head of Marketing Department at UDBS, who represented UDBS Dean, emphasized the University's dedication to community service, noting that the programme operates as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
He highlighted the expansion of networks brought by the programme, mentioning businesses within the graduates' network that could be supported. "The programme has created invaluable connections that will help these entrepreneurs grow beyond their expectations”.
Representing the graduates, Madam Editha Kweka shared a heartfelt testimonial about her transformative journey through the training. She spoke passionately about how the programme refined her business operations, particularly in the areas of labour laws and human resource management—key aspects she previously overlooked.
"Since implementing these skills, I have seen a remarkable difference in my business, and I do not just fire my staff, but we follow procedures," she said, adding that she now actively involves her sons in the enterprise to groom them as successors.
The success of this programme reaffirms the University of Dar es Salaam’s mission to bridge the knowledge gap for women entrepreneurs and foster a thriving business community. With the programme's continued growth, more women will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, elevate their businesses, and contribute to the economic prosperity of their families and the country at large.