Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth Monthly Report: August 2021

The program is implemented by DAI Global, LLC, and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program focuses on two main components: Livelihoods and Leadership. The Livelihoods component is designed to improve the economic well-being of youth by providing them with access to financial services, entrepreneurship training, and market linkages. In August 2021, a total of 557 youth borrowed money from their respective saving and lending groups, with 243 from Iringa, 214 from Mbeya, and 100 from Zanzibar. Among these borrowers, 95 youths borrowed to establish new enterprises, while 391 borrowed to improve existing enterprises. The remaining 117 youths borrowed to improve their quality of life. The program also conducted a youth selection activity in Zanzibar, where 223 youths were selected to participate in a Workforce Development training program. The program aims to enhance the entrepreneurship and employability skills of these youth before matching them with employment opportunities in the private sector. In addition, the program trained 254 youth in Mbeya and Zanzibar on entrepreneurship and business management skills, YSLA management, and Ajira Taarifa na Mafunzo platform. TACADECO, an AY grantee, trained 160 youth in Busokelo DC on YSLA management and dynamics, resulting in the formation of nine Youth Saving and Lending Associations. The program also conducted entrepreneurship and business management training for 94 youth from Mbarali District, Mbeya DC, and Mbeya City Council. The training focused on enhancing youth knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship, business management, time management, self-awareness, team building, soft skills, record keeping, marketing, and financial literacy. Furthermore, the program received seed fund disbursements to 24 youth SMEs worth TZS 12,000,000 (USD 5,190). The seed funds were intended to boost youth businesses in terms of capital, improvement of technology, and business premises. According to the youth, the seed fund has improved their operations in terms of capital, raw materials, and improvement of working premises, leading to increased sales and income. The program also conducted a Self-efficacy assessment to 120 youth in Zanzibar, which involved testing their knowledge retention and a survey to determine if the training was useful. Almost all participants scored above 70%, indicating that the knowledge was well delivered, and participants gained new knowledge. The training improved their confidence and helped them start their businesses and navigate challenges. Overall, the Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth program is making significant progress in promoting youth economic empowerment in Tanzania. The program's focus on livelihoods and leadership is yielding positive results, with youth benefiting from entrepreneurship training, financial services, and market linkages. The program's impact is evident in the improved operations of youth businesses, increased sales and income, and enhanced self-efficacy among youth beneficiaries.