The INCLU-CITIES project (Inclusive, Green, and Sustainable Local Economy in Selected Cities in Tanzania) works to make Tanga’s food system more inclusive, green, and sustainable. Between 2024 and 2027, it aimt to strength the local economy by empowering women and youth entrepreneurs.
The project is implemented with the support of Enabel, under the European Union’s “Green and SMART Cities SASA” programme. The initiative responds to pressing challenges faced by women and youth entrepreneurs in the urban food system, including limited access to finance, weak business development support, unsafe food handling, and underdeveloped circular economy practices. These constrains limit enterprise growth, job creation, and access to safe food for over 30,000 consumers in the city.
By promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, digitalisation, food safety, and green and circular economy solutions, the INCLU-CITIES SASA project aim to contribute to job creation, safer consumer markets, and a more resilient urban food system, directly advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 5, 8, 11, 12, and 13.
In Tanga’s growing urban and peri-urban economy, women and youth entrepreneurs face multiple barriers that limit their potential to grow sustainable businesses and contribute to a greener local economy.
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The INCLU- CITIES SASA project strengthens the ecosystem of business support and food system actors in Tanga. Through collaboration among local government, business associations, and entrepreneurs, the project promotes innovation, skills development, and greener value chains — ensuring that growth in Tanga’s food system benefits everyone.
Key Interventions
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TCCIA, TWCC, and SIDO provide more effective, digitalised, and gender-responsive services to their members, enabling better business coaching, data management, and market access.
300 women- and youth-owned businesses operate more formalised, digitally connected, and financially literate enterprises with improved access to capital and local markets.
30 growth-oriented SMEs apply sustainable practices and attract investment to expand in food processing, waste recycling, and eco-packaging — creating decent jobs and advancing circular economy models.
15 model kiosks and 105 youth-led recycling businesses contribute to safer, cleaner, and more traceable food markets, improving hygiene standards and consumer trust across the city.
"TWCC has been strengthened as an institution by enhancing its capacity to deliver quality services to members. Our members have gained training, market opportunities and business networks. The project has fostered solidarity and increased their participation in value chains. TWCC has now become the apex organisation for advancing women and youth in business development."
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