Tanzania Sisal Board partners for women's employment

The Tanzania Sisal Board (TSB) is planning to partner with the Mwanamke Initiative Foundation to create jobs for women, youth, and people with disabilities by expanding sisal value addition. This initiative aims to teach practical skills for making sisal-based items for local and tourist markets, moving beyond traditional rope uses. TSB Director Saddy Kambona stated the partnership would boost employment, entrepreneurship, and women's economic independence.

Ms Sabra Mohamed, Executive Director of Mwanamke Initiative Foundation, visited TSB in Tanga to discuss investment and skills development. She requested technical assistance from TSB trainers to teach sisal processing and product-making at their Bungi centre in Zanzibar, set to launch early next year. TSB will provide sisal fibres to training institutions and incubation centres, including those in Zanzibar, to support the production of marketable goods.

The collaboration could also explore using sisal waste for gas and charcoal production, contributing to cleaner cooking energy. Abdulatif Famau, Sisal Incubation Centre supervisor, noted that cooperation could improve product quality and market access by facilitating skills exchange between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Why it mattersWomen and young people in Tanzania will gain new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through sisal product manufacturing.

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