Tanzania

Strengthening Small Business Value Chains (SSBVC)

2015 - 2021 (Closed July 2021)

MEDA, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, worked with men and women small entrepreneurs (SEs), small growing businesses (SGBs) and lead firms in the manufacturing, agriculture, and construction sectors. Through the SSBVC project, it grew their businesses and increased their contributions to rural economies in the Arusha, Morogoro, and Mtwara business areas of Tanzania. 

Our SSBVC project partnered with 30 lead firms and competitive businesses that are market-driven, profit oriented, and sustainable in the Arusha, Morogoro, and Mtwara business areas of Tanzania.

Overview

Goal

The goal of the SSBVC project was to improve the business performances of SEs supplying goods and services to lead firms and improve the business performance of SGBs supplying goods and services in response to market opportunities. The SSBVC also improved the rural business environment to facilitate sustainable enterprise development.

Scope

Through the SSBVC project, 22,500 men and women SEs and 225 SGBs grew their businesses in the manufacturing, agriculture, and construction sectors. As a result, they also increased their contributions to rural economies in Tanzania.

Context

76% of Tanzania’s population relies on agriculture and agro-processing, which makes it highly vulnerable to weather shocks and changing commodity prices. Due to the lack of knowledge and infrastructure to develop and implement new agricultural technology, environmental shocks can severely damage the living standards of Tanzanians.

Opportunity

Tanzania is a diverse country of around 61 million people with a steadily growing economy. It has sustained relatively high economic growth over the last decade, averaging 6-7% a year; yet, businesses and entrepreneurs  struggle to meaningfully contribute to the economy. Small businesses and entrepreneurs lack access to market information, new and environmentally sustainable technology, appropriate financial products, and face a strict regulatory environment.

Strategy

SSBVC’s lead firm approach worked through established and growth-oriented businesses to create and sustain business ecosystems. Through these lead firms, the project reach not only facilitated growth (infrastructure, technology, formalization) for these businesses, but their whole supply chain – from small entrepreneurs to expanded customer markets. Over the course of this project, SSBVC: 

  • Provided sustainable innovation grants to 30 lead firms that further impacted 22,500 small entrepreneurs and facilitated business services for 225 SGBs
  •  Mobilized 60 business alliances that fostered formalization and collaboration
  • Partnered with business enabling environment stakeholders to improve the business environment and facilitate stakeholder dialog
  • Worked with financial institutions that improved financial services
  • Leveraged a $1 million innovative investment solution that supported at least $4 million in lease financing

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Our Impact FY2021 (Project Closing Year)

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Direct Individuals

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Direct Businesses

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Direct Women Clients

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Indirect Individuals

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Indirect Businesses

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Decent Work

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Total Budget

Funder

This program was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.