A group of more than 1,400 women in Unguja and Pemba have graduated from an economic inclusion programme, called Mwanamke Shujaa, supported by Coca-Cola Kwanza.

Participants received training and mentorship, supported by the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), as well as tools of the trade, including a gas stove, gas cylinder, coolers, kitchen clothing and a table.

Coca-Cola Kwanza MD Unguu Sulay said the company was committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and making a tangible difference in their lives.

“As a purpose-driven company, we help create a better shared future for everyone our business touches by working to provide access to equal opportunity and fostering belonging both in our workplaces and the communities we serve,” Sulay said.

“We continue to help enable the economic empowerment of a diverse network of customers, suppliers and communities across our value chain,” he said.

The programme is a partnership between Coca-Cola Kwanza, ZEEA, Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation and Oryx Gas Tanzania.

Coca-Cola Kwanza, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, supported training for 1,700 women last year, covering key areas like bookkeeping, customer care, stress management, and capital growth. 

“Our aim is to create greater shared opportunity for the business and the communities we serve across the value-chain. Opportunity is more than just money, it’s about a better future for people and their communities everywhere on the African continent,” said Sulay.

The graduation ceremony at the Maisara grounds was attended by Zanzibar First Lady and Chairperson of the Maisha Bora foundation, Hon. Mariam Mwinyi, who was the guest of honour.

“We embrace the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of economic empowerment, which we see as fundamental to strengthening human rights and enabling all people, particularly vulnerable and underrepresented groups, to have control over their lives and positively influence society. 

Speaking at the event, Ms. Shuwekha Omar Khamis, Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited General Manager for Zanzibar said, “I would like to thank our partners and stakeholders at Coca-Cola Kwanza. With this project, they have been working with us to distribute gas stoves in support of entrepreneurs since 2021.”