Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and Stanbic Bank Tanzania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly empower Tanzanian retailers and distributors through the GRIT (Growing Retailers Innovatively Together) aimed at empowering retailers and distributors within TBL's value chain and RISE (Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable Enterprises) programs.

This strategic partnership, designed to foster local business growth, will provide participating retailers with comprehensive business training, financial support, and mentorship aimed at long-term sustainability and economic empowerment.

GRITprogramme, is an outreach initiative aimed at providing TBL retailers with vital entrepreneurial skills, including training on business promotion and operational efficiency. This initiative seeks to boost sales, improve performance, as well as to prepare retailers to meet market challenges and capitalise on opportunities. The programme also seeks to increase investment in education, thereby enhancing economic growth. By upskilling retailers, the initiative will help them grow their businesses, resulting in benefits for their families and broader communities. Additionally, the programme aims to leverage shared growth for communities and assist TBL in leading and growing the category.

RISE, driven by Stanbic Bank’s Biashara Incubator, offers an ecosystem of financial inclusion, enterprise development, and market linkages that empower microenterprises—particularly women and youth-led businesses—to thrive in the Tanzanian economy.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania CEO, Manzi Rwegasira, highlighted this approach, saying, “Our role is to empower micro-enterprises by providing more than just financial backing. Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s CEO, Manzi Rwegasira, remarked on the partnership:

“Retailers and microenterprises are the backbone of Tanzania’s economy. Through our RISE program, we have reached over 1,000 businesses thus far, and this collaboration with TBL enables us to create even more impact. Our joint focus on financial inclusion, enterprise growth, and business mentorship will ensure that these retailers are well-positioned to grow sustainably and contribute to Tanzania’s broader economic development. This partnership with TBL through the GRIT programme enables us to ensure that local retailers not only access funding but are equipped to grow and contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s economy.”

TBL Managing Director, Michelle Kilpin emphasised the company’s commitment to economic empowerment, stating: "This partnership MOU with Stanbic Bank is a key part of our strategy to equip retailers with both the skills and financial resources they need to thrive. By promoting sustainable business practices through the GRIT programme, we’re ensuring long-term success for our partners and contributing to economic growth."

TBL's responsibilities will include the development of a comprehensive application for retailers registration, as well as identifying and registering retailers within the company’s database. TBL will also conduct outreach meetings and workshops to ensure that retailers are informed about the training opportunities available to them. 

Additionally, TBL will collaborate closely with the sales team to engage with the retailers while establishing a streamlined registration process. This process will encompass eligibility verification, documentation collection, and detailed information about the application.

To enhance the effectiveness of the sales team, specialised training will be provided, ensuring they can deliver informed and effective advice to participating retailers. Furthermore, TBL will implement a data collection system to track training activities and outcomes. This will be complemented by conducting evaluations of the programme to assess its impact and identify areas for improvement.

Together, GRIT and RISE provide a holistic framework for business empowerment in Tanzania, contributing to TBL’s goal of supporting over 25,000 entrepreneurs by 2025, with a special focus on women-led businesses. This partnership also aligns with Stanbic Bank’s vision of contributing to enterprise development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, particularly for youth and women in business.