As Tanzania accelerates its shift toward a green economy, new opportunities are opening up for entrepreneurs committed to sustainability. The Ajira Ye2 Project, implemented by CRDB Bank Foundation together with GIZ, is part of a broader regional effort to improve women’s participation in the green transition. The programme brings targeted support in financing, business development and market linkages for MSMEs led by women and youth. Covering key sectors from organic agriculture to renewable energy and the blue economy, the initiative promises to strengthen local industries while creating new employment opportunities. Applications for participation opened today and will remain open until 22 October 2025.
Building Green Businesses and Green Jobs
The Ajira Ye2 Project aims to support 325 women-led MSMEs across Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Zanzibar (Unguja). These enterprises are expected to generate about 510 decent green jobs, with a target of 70 percent of them going to women and at least 40 percent involving youth.
The programme focuses on sectors that are critical for both environmental sustainability and economic growth. In Dar es Salaam, it targets businesses in renewable energy, clean technologies, circular economy and waste management, green construction, landscaping, farming value chains and clean energy. In Morogoro, the spotlight is on climate-smart and organic agriculture, agro-processing and eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, in Zanzibar, the emphasis is on the blue economy, aquaculture and seaweed, organic value-added products such as spices and cosmetics and eco-tourism.
By tailoring its approach to the strengths of each region, the project ensures that local opportunities are fully harnessed and that entrepreneurs can innovate within their specific contexts. This approach not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens entire value chains in the green economy.
What Selected Businesses Will Receive
The Ajira Ye2 Project offers more than just financial support. It provides a complete package of services designed to strengthen businesses and prepare them for long-term success.
Capability Building
Entrepreneurs will receive training in essential areas such as financial literacy, budgeting, record keeping, marketing, entrepreneurship, digital marketing and investment. They will also get technical assistance through collaborations with key government and regulatory bodies, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA). This ensures that businesses not only learn how to grow but also how to comply with standards and regulations that make them more competitive.
Business Development Services
The programme provides up to three months of incubation and mentorship support, helping entrepreneurs sharpen their ideas and build strong business models. MSMEs will also participate in trade fairs, expos and investor showcases to connect them with new markets and business partners. Visibility opportunities, credibility certification from CRDB Bank Foundation and linkages to the Imbeju Programme add another layer of value.
Access to Finance
Perhaps most importantly, the programme opens the door to financing for businesses that demonstrate commitment and performance during the training period. Selected MSMEs will have the opportunity to access unsecured soft loans through the Imbeju pathway. Start-ups may qualify for up to TZS 30 million, while individuals under a group umbrella may access up to TZS 10 million. With flexible repayment options and milestone-based disbursements, this financing structure is designed to match business cash flows while minimizing risks.
The loans are linked to performance, ensuring that funding goes to entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their ideas sustainably. While not guaranteed for every participant, this financial window provides a crucial opportunity for those who have struggled to access capital through traditional banking channels.
A Gateway for Women and Youth
The heart of the Ajira Ye2 Project lies in its commitment to women and youth empowerment. To qualify, businesses must be registered in Tanzania and active for at least two years in one of the target regions. They should also be women-led, with at least 40 percent ownership or executive leadership by women. Youth participation is encouraged, with a goal of at least 20 percent of key roles filled by young people.
Applicants must show a clear green fit by working in or pivoting toward sustainable value chains and demonstrate a plan to create two to three jobs during the programme. Inclusivity is a guiding principle, with strong encouragement for women from disadvantaged communities and persons with disabilities to apply.
The selection process follows a clear path: initial screening, technical review, pitching or interviews at regional hubs, due diligence and finally onboarding for successful candidates. This transparent system ensures that the most promising businesses receive the support they need.
Driving Inclusive Green Transformation
The Ajira Ye2 Project is part of the wider WE4D programme, which is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the European Union (EU). The programme is dedicated to improving women’s employment in green transformation sectors across Africa.
By combining capacity building, financial access and market linkages, this initiative is a model of how development partnerships can directly support local entrepreneurs. It goes beyond short-term interventions to equip businesses with the tools they need for resilience and growth.
For Tanzania, this means more than supporting a few businesses. It means nurturing an entire generation of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the country’s green economy. From seaweed farming in Zanzibar to organic agriculture in Morogoro and renewable energy in Dar es Salaam, the programme touches every corner of the country’s diverse opportunities.
The Road Ahead
The opening of applications today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for many Tanzanian entrepreneurs. For those who apply and are selected, the Ajira Ye2 Project represents a chance not just to grow their businesses but to become leaders in building a greener and more inclusive economy.
By the time the programme closes its first cycle, hundreds of businesses will be stronger, more visible and better connected. More importantly, they will have created jobs, empowered women and youth, and contributed to the fight against climate change.
Entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 22 October 2025.
