In May 2025, Tanzania became a focal point for celebrating and advancing women's entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of inclusive green growth. Enabel, the Belgian agency for development cooperation, spearheaded the Awa Prize Days across Kigoma and Dar es Salaam on the 14th and 16th.  More than just events, these gatherings served as dynamic platforms connecting women entrepreneurs with government representatives, private sector leaders, international organizations, and development partners. The two-day program featured practical training, cross-sector dialogue, and peer learning—critical elements in strengthening a more inclusive and resilient ecosystem for women-led businesses, particularly those driving circular and green economic models.

The significance of this initiative was highlighted by the presence of Fanny Heylen, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium in Tanzania. Representing Belgian cooperation, she reaffirmed Belgium's dedication to gender equality and women's economic empowerment as crucial drivers of sustainable development. "Empowering women entrepreneurs is not only a matter of equity, but a smart investment in a more sustainable and resilient future," Ms. Heylen remarked, setting a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the discussions. 

The event strategically bridged grassroots capacity building with high-level policy dialogue. In Kigoma, the focus was intensely practical. Forty women entrepreneurs, part of the Awa Prize network and the Wezesha Binti project (Belgium’s initiative for adolescent girls and young women), took part in an intensive workshop aimed at strengthening their capacity with modern business strategies, tools, and skills essential for sustainable growth.  Facilitated with support from the ILO, PASS Trust, and Her Initiative Tanzania, sessions covered digital tool adoption, business formalisation, labour law navigation, finance access, and local market engagement. Beyond the training, an exhibition allowed participants to showcase their products and, importantly, share their personal journeys, highlighting the resilience and innovation required to overcome barriers in the entrepreneurial landscape.

 “As a woman entrepreneur, balancing family care and business can be challenging", explained Zainab Seif Kabobo after the workshop. "Today, I have learned many new things, but I also realized that many actions I am already taking are leading me on the right path as an entrepreneur. Next time I attend this type of workshop, I would like to be the person who shares her good practices.” 

The conversation evolved in Dar es Salaam, shifting towards systemic change during a high-level networking event at the Coral Beach Hotel. A key panel, "Breaking Barriers, Building Futures," tackled the deep-rooted challenges women face in business. Leaders like Ms. Mwajuma Hamza (TWCC), Ms. Noreen Toroka (ILO), and Enabel's own Mr. Earnest Musinamwana, alongside AWA Prize winner Ms. Janet Kabugho (Uganda), debated crucial needs: better access to finance, gender-sensitive policies, and stronger cross-sector collaborations to help women scale their ventures. A second panel zeroed in on the future: "Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way to Inclusive, Green, and Smart Cities." This session explored the vital role women play in driving innovation and sustainability, particularly within the circular economy. Experts like Ms. Sara Prima, Ms Nusura Myonga from Her Initiative, Mr Pius Matunge from Tengeneza Generation alongside AWA Prize winner Ms. Kathia Iradukunda (Burundi). The discussion showcased inspiring examples, from green startups to digital empowerment projects, reinforcing the necessity of nurturing inclusive innovation ecosystems where women and youth can lead community transformation. 

The Awa Prize Days initiative in Tanzania is a clear manifestation of Enabel's wider commitment to dismantling the structural and cultural obstacles hindering women's economic participation. By connecting local innovators and entrepreneurs through platforms like the Awa Prize and Wezesha Binti, Enabel actively links grassroots solutions to broader sustainable development goals. As Jovitha Mlay, Enabel Tanzania's Gender and Social Inclusion Expert, highlighted, Tanzanian women are already leading innovation; the critical need is for "sustained support, visibility, and access to opportunities." The Awa Prize Days represent a tangible step towards fulfilling that need, fostering a future where women entrepreneurs are central to Tanzania's inclusive and sustainable growth. 

“At the Awa Days, I learned many things. The most important element would be the power of networking. I will use this network to promote and sell my products in the future.” explained Sister Evangelista Chubwa.  

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