Tanzania’s Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) recently launched a project called Tanzania Local Enterprise and Linkages Development (T-LED) to empower Tanzania Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The project is funded by Australian Government to support SMEs to secure sub-contracts with major resource companies and their suppliers.
Initially the focus will be in the three regions of Mwanza, Mbeya and Katavi due to the availability of natural resources i.e. minerals.
The project activities will primarily include baseline assessment, identification of market opportunities and establishment of approved supplier’s framework of existing SMEs.
The project is expected to create above 500 local jobs.
SIDO Director General Mr. Omari Bakari said that the project will involve key local and international partners to improve the operations of SMEs.
The project is expected to operate for 18 months starting from April 2015 to October 2016 and it will bring together, in addition to SIDO, key local partners like the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (TCCIA) and Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) at national and regional levels.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Uledi Mussa speaking at the launch ceremony said ““The government of Tanzania will provide all necessary support to the implementing partners so as to ensure the project bears fruit.”
According to TCCIA, SMEs contribute about 35% of the Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating up to 40% of total employment of the country.
