THE Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) has joined forces to support 350 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a focus on women, youth and people with disabilities to stimulate economic justice and inclusivity.

FCS Executive Director Justice Rutenge unveiled this in Dar es Salaam yesterday when speaking shortly after signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stanbic Biashara Incubator initiative to help provide essential business training, resources and access to markets, empowering marginalized traders to contribute to the country’s economic development.

He said FCS’s shift from traditional grant-making to development facilitation is central to this initiative, which aims to leave a lasting impact by fostering a dynamic and sustainable business environment.

He said the collaboration is implemented through the FCS’s three-year programme funded by TradeMark Africa and supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ireland  and Norway and is aligned with FCS’s commitment to fostering social and economic justice.

Rutenge said through specialised training in areas such as export readiness, trade financing and food processing, the programme aims to improve business growth and create job opportunities.

“The partnership will focus on enhancing the capacity of MSMEs in food processing, value addition, and sustainable trading practices,” he said.

According to him, by providing business development services and mentorship, the initiative aims to build a more robust and inclusive economy, especially for groups who have historically faced barriers to economic participation.

As part of the partnership, FCS calls for applications from MSMEs based in Dar es Salaam and five key border areas: Horohoro, Holili, Namanga, Kasumulu and Tunduma. One programme will focus on businesses involved in food processing and value addition while another will support women-led businesses adopting sustainable trading practices.

The programmes promise essential resources, knowledge and market access to help businesses thrive.

“This initiative will ensure that those from marginalized groups, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities, are given the tools to succeed in the marketplace," said Charles Kainkwa, FCS’s Livelihoods Programme Lead.

He said with a keen focus on sustainability, the partnership also promotes green ventures and environmentally responsible practices, ensuring that MSMEs not only thrive but contribute to Tanzania’s broader climate action goals.

The partnership complements FCS’s broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection and inclusive trade in Tanzania, aligning with its recent three-year grant agreement with TradeMark Africa.