Women in Trade - Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce Project

Period: 2018-2027
Countries: Tanzania
Implementing partners: · Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) – lead implementing partner · Equality for Growth (EfG) · Young Women Entrepreneurs (YWE) · Zanzibar Women Chamber of Commerce (ZWCC)
Participants: Women traders, processors, producers, and women cross-border traders in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar

Project rationale

Women are central to Tanzania’s economy -particularly in informal and cross-border trade yet face persistent barriers: limited access to market information and training, gender-based discrimination, complex regulatory requirements, and low levels of business formalisation. TMA supported TWCC to address these constraints by strengthening women’s capacities, improving access to markets and certification, and amplifying women’s voice in trade policy and regulatory processes. The intervention is designed to deliver inclusive, competitive trade outcomes and expand women’s participation in formal and cross-border commerce.

Target Results

Strengthened policy, regulatory, and legal environment supporting women in trade
Increased access to trade support services and markets for women traders
Growth in regional exports among supported cross-border traders
Higher number of certified women-led products and businesses
Expanded formalisation of women-owned enterprises
Enhanced institutional capacity of women’s organisations to influence trade policy
Increased participation of women in public procurement and cross-border trade

Implementation strategy

The project integrated capacity development, advocacy, institutional strengthening, and market access interventions through interconnected approaches:

Training and Skills Development: Training women traders on EAC trade rules, customs procedures, business management, compliance, and product standards – including tailored support delivered during COVID-19.
Formalisation and Certification: Supporting business registration, Tanzania Bureau of Standards certification, and GS1 product barcoding to enable access to formal and regulated markets.
Policy and Advocacy: Developing studies and policy briefs on gender-related trade barriers and supporting evidence-based advocacy with government and Parliament.
Market Access and Visibility: Facilitating participation in trade fairs, business-to-business forums, and national visibility platforms to expand market reach.
Institutional Strengthening: Building the governance, advocacy capacity, and long-term sustainability of TWCC and partner organisations to represent members effectively

Elibariki Shammy, Country Director, Tanzania

Results To Date

Capacity Building & Training

Over 10,000 women traders were trained on regional trade procedures, customs requirements, and business management.
155 women were trained under the Bid for Success initiative; 13 successfully secured public procurement contracts.

Formalisation & Certification

More than 3,500 women formalised their businesses, improving access to finance, procurement, and regulated markets.
2,600 products were certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and 3,150 products were issued GS1 barcodes, improving product traceability and market competitiveness.