10 Provinces in Tanzania: Anticipated to Profit from Quality Standards Food Safety and Market requirements via MSME Training Programm

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The training desires to expand competitiveness, thus dressing up admission to domestic, regional, and multinational markets. As described in relation to Kenya registering 80% in food safety management systems certificates, Tanzania has recorded a mere 2%.

Other East African nations and their respective percentages in brackets are Uganda (11 percent), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC-4 percent), and the remaining percentage is disseminated amongst the remaining partner states.

The National Quality Association of Tanzania (NQAT) Chairman – Amir Hamza, made the disclosure during the authorized liftoff of the MSMEs capacitation under the Qualitan project that is carried out by the United Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) in alliance with the Tanzania Bureau Standards (TBS) and Small Industries Development Organisation (Sido).

“Today’s Unido initiative, which aims at capacitating 1,000 selected MSMEs, is a commendable step towards bridging the gap in the quality of standards and food safety compliance in Tanzania. This effort is crucial for enhancing market access and competitiveness,” hespoke out.

Regarding the challenge of reaching and engaging MSMEs in improving their production capacities and quality compliance, UNIDO’s Chief Technical Advisor for Qualitan, Stefano Sedola, expressed that the organization is closely working with the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to improve quality compliance.

Besides, they are working together with the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) to nurture MSME development through an integrated strategy.

Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) President Mercy Sila noted the training was a vital step towards enhancing market access by preparing them with the knowledge and tools to fulfill quality and safety standards.

“We urge all stakeholders to continue extending their support and collaboration to collectively address the challenges facing MSMEs and create an enabling environment for their growth and sustainability,” shelet out.

Ms. Sila called on development partners to increase their investment in women-led MSMEs through empowerment.

“Not only do we promote gender equality, but we also drive inclusive economic growth for the benefit of the entire society.”

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent