CRDB Bank Foundation and CRDB Bank have done well in launching the ‘Go Green with IMBEJU’ programme, as a strategic initiative that combines youth empowerment with the government’s green economy agenda, the government has declared.

Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, the Planning and Investment state minister in the President’s Office, made this observation at the launch of the programme in the capital yesterday, asserting that it is fully aligned with the National Development Vision 2050, for an inclusive, competitive and climate-resilient economy while recognising youth as key drivers of economic growth.

“The government has placed strong emphasis on empowering the youth economically, promoting a green economy and building collaboration frameworks between the public and private sectors. Youth-led environmental projects like those we see today are a direct and practical implementation of Vision 2050,” he stated.

Private sector participation is a critical pillar in transforming young people’s innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that create jobs and contribute meaningfully to national development, he said.

Daniel Sillo, the deputy speaker for the National Assembly, highlighted the critical role of the legislature in establishing a strong legal framework to support environmental protection and the growth of the green economy. 

The programme represents a practical example of aligning policy, capital and youth innovation, as the ‘Go Green with IMBEJU’ initiative is designed to support youth-led projects in climate-smart agriculture, renewable and clean energy, water technologies, waste management, environmental conservation and digital innovation, he stated.

Abdulmajid Nsekela, the CRDB Bank managing director, said the programme will provide affordable financing ranging from 500,000/- to 500m/-, as the initiative bridges international climate finance with young entrepreneurs who often lack collateral or credit history required under conventional banking systems.

“Through Go Green with IMBEJU, more young people will be reached, prepared and empowered to actively participate in the green economy. It strategically links international climate finance with innovations by Tanzanian youth,” he said.

Under the $200m TACATDP programme, implemented with the UN Green Climate Fund (UN GCF), over 100bn/- has already been disbursed, benefiting approximately 600,000 people nationwide, he explained.

Tully Esther Mwambapa, the CRDB Bank Foundation managing director, explained that applications for the programme will be submitted digitally via the FursaHub platform, in collaboration with NEDC, from February 12 to March 11,

Applications will be screened and assessed by experts for business viability and the capacity to repay affordable financing, with successful applicants receiving specialized business and innovation training at the CRDB Bank Foundation Innovation Hub before receiving financial support. 

Capital ranges from 0.5m/- to 500m/-, while top-performing projects can access additional grants from 0.5m/- to 10m/- to accelerate growth, she elaborated, noting that since its establishment in 2023, CRDB Bank Foundation has supported over 1.25m entrepreneurs.

The support has been conveyed through financial literacy training, entrepreneurship support and affordable capital totalling 21bn/-, with intent to prepare the youth for integration into formal financial networks, she said.

Irene Vambi, founder of Mrembo Naturals, said the programme helped her access training, mentorship and capital to expand production and create jobs for other young people.

“IMBEJU’ helped me turn my idea into a growing business that now employs other young people. Go Green with IMBEJU is a real opportunity for youth with innovation and dreams. I encourage my fellow youths to seize this opportunity, apply and believe in themselves. It is absolutely possible,” she added.