Every year on December 3rd, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities—a powerful reminder to advocate for rights, promote understanding, and foster inclusion for the millions of people with disabilities worldwide.

This year’s theme, "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future," inspires action by highlighting the transformative impact that empowered individuals with disabilities can have on society. Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has embraced this vision, driving change through innovative programs and partnerships that uplift and empower persons with disabilities in Tanzania.   

SBL has been at the forefront of championing inclusivity and breaking barriers, ensuring people with disabilities are given opportunities to thrive as leaders and contributors to the nation’s progress. One of SBL’s most impactful initiatives is its agribusiness program, which has equipped 100 individuals with disabilities with modern farming techniques this year. These skills have enabled participants to boost their livelihoods, support their families, and actively contribute to their communities.   

“This program isn’t just about farming; it’s about unlocking potential and fostering leadership. By equipping people with disabilities with skills and opportunities, we’re empowering them to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development,”  says John Wanyancha, SBL’s Corporate Relations Director.

 Partnership with organizations such as Sightsavers and the Syngenta Foundation East Africa has amplified its efforts. In 2024, the pilot establishment of a “farmer hub” in Singida benefited over 200 sorghum farmers, including individuals with disabilities. The hub serves as a center for accessing high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and training through a demonstration plot. 

Beyond offering practical tools, the hub has become a beacon of hope, challenging societal stigmas and fostering behavioral change. Regular engagement among farmers has built solidarity, promoted gender equality, and amplified the voices of persons with disabilities in agricultural value chains.  

 “These hubs are more than facilities—they are a symbol of hope and inclusion. They demonstrate how targeted support can drive behavioral shifts and create a more inclusive society.”  explains Wanyancha.

 Michael Salali, Executive Director of the Foundation for Disabilities Hope (FDH), commended SBL’s dedication to empowering persons with disabilities. “Programs like these are critical in transforming perceptions about people with disabilities,” he says. “By offering training, resources, and platforms for leadership, SBL is proving that inclusion benefits everyone. People with disabilities are not a burden; they are a powerful force for change when given the right opportunities.”  

Salali also emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving long-term impact. “We must work together—corporates, governments, and civil society—to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, can lead a life of dignity and purpose,” he said.  

Through its innovative initiatives, SBL is proving that inclusion is more than just a principle—it’s a practice that has the power to transform lives. The company’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities is creating ripples of change that extend beyond individuals to families, communities, and the nation.  

As the world observes this important day, SBL’s story stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when inclusion becomes a shared mission. By embracing diversity and empowering leadership, we can shape a future that celebrates the contributions of all and ensures that no one is left behind.