Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), in collaboration with Yas Tanzania, Mixx by Yas, and the Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB), has successfully trained more than 700 seaweed farmers from 39 entrepreneurship groups on the use of digital tools for savings and managing Village Community Banks (VICOBA). The initiative is part of the Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE), funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The training aims to equip seaweed farmers—particularly women—with the knowledge and digital skills to manage their finances efficiently, plan expenditures, increase savings, and strengthen collaboration within their community-based financial groups. Through digital technology, farmers can now easily and securely track their savings, contributions, and loans, improving transparency and accountability across their groups.
The training sessions were conducted in several coastal villages across Zanzibar, including Ng’ambwa, Uroa, Bwejuu, Muungoni, and Kajengwa, where seaweed farming is a primary source of livelihood. This effort aligns with ZMBF’s mission to empower women and youth economically while promoting sustainable practices in Zanzibar’s blue economy sector.
About JP RWEE
The Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) is a global initiative that aims to enhance rural women’s income, leadership, and economic resilience by improving access to resources, skills, and opportunities.
About Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF)
The Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Her Excellency Mariam H. Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar, in July 2021.
The Foundation aims to support the Government of Zanzibar’s efforts to achieve a better quality of life for all Zanzibaris.
For more information, contact:
Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.zmbf.or.tz