THE Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) to implement its “civil society for inclusive and consumer-centric trade programme” countrywide.

Justice Rutenge, the FCS executive director, said at the signing of the three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the collaboration is meant to promote the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on those led by women, youth and people with disabilities (PwDs).

The partnership is geared to promote inclusive trade practices given the significance of partnerships in advancing sustainable development and driving economic growth, he stated.

“MSMEs play a critical role in driving economic growth and job creation,” he asserted, indicating that the partnership is meant to leverage expertise at FCS and SIDO to ensure marginalised groups have substantial access to trade opportunities.

The goal is to empower at least 100 MSMEs operated by marginalized groups to increase their income by 10 percent and create 200 new jobs by the end of the three-year project, he specified.

The programme is designed to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty and create employment opportunities by strengthening the MSME sector. This thrust is aligned with the foundation’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive trade growth, he further noted.

SIDO will provide essential technical assistance, training and financial support to small-scale industries, in line with the organisation’s efforts focused on enhancing the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs.

It conducts business advisory services, capacity building, coaching, mentoring and facilitating access to appropriate technologies, he stated, affirming that SIDO has long been a champion of MSME growth.

“With their expertise, we will ensure that Tanzanian entrepreneurs—particularly those from marginalized groups—receive the support they need to succeed,” he stated.

Through the partnership, FCS will utilise its extensive experience in grant making, capacity building and civil society engagement to support SIDO in mobilising resources for inclusive trade initiatives, he explained.

In recognising the unique challenges faced by PwDs, FCS and SIDO designed the programme to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, he said, highlighting that special materials and tools will be provided to help PwDs participate fully in the training, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in business.

Additionally, special manuals will be created to facilitate the learning process for PwDs, he said, noting that the partnership complements the foundation’s broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection and promote inclusive trade practices.

It is also consonant with FCS’s recent grant agreement with TradeMark Africa with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ireland and Norway.

Hopeness Elia, the SIDO regional manager, said that the partnership will facilitate incubator programmes to support MSMEs with technical training in value addition, business development and marketing.

It will also offer entrepreneurship training, financial access support and marketing opportunities, alongside linkages to compliance bodies such as local government authorities, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), GS1 - a barcode service provider and others.

SIDO will offer mentorship, advisory services and support in preparing business plans, feasibility studies and other business development needs, she added.