STANBIC BANK TANZANIA AND GAIN LAUNCH COHORT 7 OF THE SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR LOCAL SMES

Head of the Business Incubator Unit from Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Kai Mollel (second right) and the Head of Projects from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Winifrida Mayilla signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the training phase 7 of the Supplier Development Program. The training aims to empower 50 women and youth, food business owners and operators. The event took place on Wednesday witnessed by the employees of Stanbic Bank Tanzania and GAIN Tanzania.

Head of Business Incubator, From Stanbic Bank, Kai Mollel presents the seventh cohort of the Supplier Development Program, in partnership with GAIN. The program equips women-led SMEs engaged in the food and nutrition sector in Tanzania with specialized training, mentorship, and networking that will help them achieve business scaling in a sustainable manner and drive positive change.

• Stanbic and GAIN partner to boost SME capacity in Tanzania’s food sector for economic impact.

• Program enhances women-led businesses with expertise in food nutrition, safety, and market strategies.

• Launch aligns with Stanbic’s commitment to sustainable growth and empowering local enterprises.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Stanbic Bank Tanzania, in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has launched the seventh cohort of the Supplier Development Program under the Stanbic Business Incubator (BSI). This collaboration focuses on empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-led businesses in the food and nutrition sector, to develop more sustainable and scalable business models, contributing to Tanzania’s broader economic growth goals.

GAIN’s participation reflects its commitment to enhancing food security and nutrition in Tanzania by empowering local businesses to adopt better food safety and quality standards. By integrating training on nutrition and food safety, GAIN aims to ensure that Tanzanian food producers meet industry standards and promote healthier food practices. GAIN’s support will not only strengthen these businesses but also improve the nutritional value of food products available to Tanzanian communities, contributing to a healthier nation.

XXXX XXXX at GAIN Tanzania, “Our collaboration with Stanbic will not only enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian SMEs but also uplift communities through better nutrition and food security. This partnership is a step towards achieving GAIN’s mission to make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable for all.”

Participants in this cohort will receive specialized training that extends beyond basic business skills to address key areas that impact their businesses directly. The expanded curriculum includes advanced topics in food nutrition, safety, and strategic marketing. This will equip trainees with the knowledge needed to improve their production quality, enhance food safety practices, and effectively market their products.

Through Stanbic and GAIN’s combined efforts, participants will gain the tools needed to implement safe and nutritious food production practices, ensuring their businesses comply with health and quality standards. This foundational knowledge in food safety is key to building credibility and trust among consumers. Additionally, the program will help participants strengthen their marketing strategies, enabling them to reach broader markets and compete more effectively within the industry. By adopting robust marketing techniques, they can increase visibility and attract a wider customer base. Furthermore, participants will learn to build resilient business models that prioritize sustainability and incorporate local content, fostering a greater sense of economic inclusivity. This approach not only supports their long-term success but also contributes to a more equitable and sustainable economic landscape in Tanzania.

The program offers six months of dedicated coaching, providing participants with ongoing mentorship to help them navigate market challenges and grow their businesses sustainably. In addition, graduates will join an extensive network within the Stanbic Business Incubator and GAIN communities, giving them access to valuable connections and potential partnerships.

XXXX XXXX of Stanbic Bank Tanzania, stated, “The Stanbic Business Incubator is more than just a training ground—it is a platform where local businesses find the resources, networks, and guidance needed to scale. Through partnerships like this with GAIN, we are creating sustainable opportunities that empower businesses and build a stronger, healthier Tanzania.”

Since its inception in 2022, the Stanbic Business Incubator has served as a cornerstone of Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s commitment to supporting local enterprises. BSI programs focus on empowering SMEs through tailored capacity-building initiatives, enabling them to participate meaningfully in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and now, food and nutrition. With over 200 SMEs trained and more than 500 jobs created to date, BSI Supplier Development Program has demonstrated its impact across six cohorts, contributing significantly to Tanzania’s economic resilience and job creation.

For more information, please contact:

Name: Azda Nkullo

Title: Business Marketing Manager at Stanbic Bank Tanzania

Email Address: azda.nkullo@stanbic.co.tz

About Stanbic Bank Tanzania Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a leading financial services provider in Tanzania, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to personal, business, and corporate clients. As a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, Stanbic Bank Tanzania leverages its deep local knowledge and expertise with the global reach and capabilities of Standard Bank to support the growth and development of its clients.

About the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is an international organization founded by the United Nations to address global nutrition challenges. GAIN works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to make nutritious foods more accessible, affordable, and desirable for vulnerable populations worldwide. By enhancing the food supply chains of local businesses, GAIN contributes to creating healthier, more resilient communities, advancing both public health and economic development.