From Training to Triumph: TWCC Youth Secure Capital and Free Exhibition Spaces in Zanzibar

In a powerful conclusion to the Youth Engagement in the Blue Economy program, 100 young participants from across Unguja gathered for a three-day training on value addition in marine products, held from May 29–31, 2025, at Golden Tulip Malindi Hotel, Zanzibar. The initiative, organized by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) in partnership with Trademark, aimed to equip youth with practical skills to transform marine resources into market-ready products.
During the closing ceremony, Mr. Juma Burhan Mohamed, CEO of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), commended TWCC and Trademark for their strategic vision and commitment to youth empowerment. Recognizing TWCC’s impact, he directed the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZEEA and TWCC to strengthen collaboration in economically empowering women and youth across Zanzibar.
A highlight of the event was the emotional moment when two outstanding participants—Hosam Mohamed and Husna Mohamed Omar—were each awarded TZS 500,000 via mobile transfer. Their compelling testimonies on how the training had inspired their business ideas earned them not only seed capital but also free exhibition booths at upcoming trade fairs, courtesy of the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development.
Furthering the momentum, Mr. Juma pledged to support 50 youth groups with access to municipal loans, provided they submit viable business plans and complete formal registration. These groups will also receive free booths to showcase their products at the prestigious Fahari ya Zanzibar exhibition.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar under H.E. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi and to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, for creating an enabling environment for economic empowerment. He urged youth to safeguard peace, support national leadership, and remain focused on self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The training, facilitated by TWCC Youth Wing, emphasized courage, planning, and resilience encouraging youth to turn knowledge into action. By mastering marine product transformation, participants are now better positioned to launch sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the Blue Economy.