The Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy in Tanzania and STEMi Makers of Africa hosts the Project Kuongoza Digital Skills Accelerator in Tanzania.
The Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy in Tanzania partnered with STEMi Makers of Africa to empower 65 young women-owned businesses across Dar es Salaam and Mwanza region of Tanzania by equipping them with the digital skills necessary to accelerate their own businesses in today’s competitive digital landscape.
Through a series of carefully structured activities, including digital focus groups, tailored curriculum development, hands-on training, and the creation of a pitching platform, the Project Kuongoza seeks to foster a supportive learning environment. As a matter of fact, this platform enables young women in their middle years to share experiences, gain insights, and engage in peer-to-peer learning, ultimately boosting their confidence, economic independence, and visibility in the digital sector.
The Project Kuongoza program also reflected a diverse range of business needs across various sectors, like Agriculture, Baking, Education, Beauty, Logistics, Photography, Science and Technology, Food and Beverages amongst others; thereby, creating a strong foundation for clear intentions to implement the required knowledge, skills in their respective ventures.
Speaking to Safina Kimbokota, the CEO of Safina Arts, she shared how excited to have been selected for the Project Kuongoza Accelerator program for Women in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza region of Tanzania. She said, “The Project Kuongoza 2025 Selection Committee recognized my submission as one of the strongest applications they received this year. Out of the hundreds of applicants, my enthusiasm, determination and business goals stood out, and they couldn’t be more excited to welcome me into the Project Kuongoza community”.
By focusing on areas such as digital marketing, financial management, mentorship, social media management, data analysis, business model canvas, financial management and five other focus areas, the Project Kuongoza accelerator program aimed to fill the skill gaps that often hinder women from successfully engaging in the digital economy. Through intensive training, the impact project empowered 65 young women in their middle years to share experiences, gain insights, and engage in peer-to-peer learning, ultimately boosting their confidence, economic independence, and visibility in the digital sector.
The Project Kuongoza accelerator program also welcomed technical partners like the Tanzania data-lab, Timiza Ndoto Initiative, the Next Hub by the Ennovate ventures who provided technical resources, mentoring, reliable entrepreneurial digital tools that the beneficiaries will use to improve their competitiveness, and grow their companies substantially, while strengthening their professional networks nationally for further business growth.
Speaking also was Victoria Melami Lengaram, the founder of Timiza Ndoto initiative and community partner of the Project Kuongoza digital skills accelerator program, “Partnering on the Kuongoza project has been a truly enriching experience. Collaborating with like-minded organizations like STEMi Makers of Africa to empower women in business and technology not only strengthened our shared mission, but also created impactful learning and growth opportunities for the participants. The program’s hands-on approach, especially in digital skills, leadership, and business management, was inspiring. Witnessing women gain confidence and clarity in their ventures was a powerful reminder of why such partnerships are essential in driving sustainable change”.