Shining the Spotlight on Entrepreneurship in Tanzania

Anganile Thomson, a Presidential Precinct 2015 Mandela Washington Fellow, is back in Tanzania using his Fellowship experience and his role as a T.V. producer and presenter to feature young entrepreneurs in his community who are making a difference.

Through his program called Mchumia Juani, Swahili for “one who labors under the sun”, Anganile says he aims “to challenge the status quo in the business world that hinders the growth of small scale entrepreneurs in Tanzania – especially young people.” With one episode already filmed and produced, Mchumia Juani then relies on its viewers to decide which featured entrepreneur will win a season-ending $2,500 USD grant to his or her business.

“We get to profile their businesses, the ups and downs, their success, their hopes, and what they hope to change for them to reach their full potential,” Anganile explains. “This is a good start for our country. Young people in Tanzania are ready for change and I am ready to play my part in ensuring that conditions for youth in entrepreneurship are improved.”

Anganile also notes that in addition to filming the show, he and his film crew will be traveling to universities and colleges throughout Tanzania to promote the program and overall participation in entrepreneurship. “Our first president Nyerere used to say poverty is one of our biggest enemies as a nation, and entrepreneurship can fight it.”