Introduction
On November 1st, 2024, the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa (RLC EA) Alumni Tanzania Chapter hosted an inspiring Networking and Capacity-Building event at the Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam. The event brought together over 100 participants, including alumni, partners, and distinguished guests. It was a powerful day of connecting, learning, and strategizing to drive impactful change in Tanzania.
The event’s objectives were clear: to strengthen the bond among YALI alumni, celebrate their achievements, and discuss innovative strategies for greater community impact. Among those present were partners such as USAID, the U.S. Embassy, and various local organizations, all committed to empowering young Tanzanian leaders to make a difference.
Opening Remarks
George Kosimbei, Chief of Party for YALI RLC EA, opened the event by highlighting YALI's progress in empowering nearly 6,000 young leaders across East Africa. With a focus on sustainability and post-training support, Mr. Kosimbei encouraged alumni to step up as leaders and apply for opportunities within YALI to extend their impact. “To be a great leader, you should possess a solid foundation in character, skills in the area you need to drive impact, and good strategies aligned with activities to achieve goals,” he emphasized.
Figure 1: YALI RLC COP giving out opening remarks during the YALI
Tanzania Chapter Networking and capacity building event
Chairperson of the Tanzania Chapter, Otaigo Elisha, expressed gratitude to YALI’s supporters and outlined the chapter’s journey since 2015. He proudly announced initiatives like the Five-Year Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding chapter subchapters, building partnerships, and organizing an annual summit. "As we look to the future, remember the core values that unite us as YALI Alumni: a commitment to integrity, service, and leadership," he urged.
Figure 2:YALI Tanzania Chapter Chairperson giving open remarks during the Networking and capacity building event
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Changemakers
Partners from organizations like the Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) shared insights on supporting young entrepreneurs. TSA’s Salma Kulwa explained how the association fosters a favorable environment for startups, aligning well with YALI’s mission of youth empowerment. Initiatives discussed included enhancing startup policies, job creation, and advocating for funding opportunities for alumni-led businesses.
Panel Discussions: Challenges and Partnerships
The event featured two engaging panel discussions. The first, moderated by YALI alumna Hilda Buduru, tackled the challenges alumni face in sustaining initiatives. Speakers from sectors like agribusiness, environmental conservation, and community savings programs shared their struggles and successes in securing funding, navigating regulatory environments, and fostering partnerships.
The second panel explored partnership opportunities, where representatives from organizations like COSTECH, the UN, and Restless Development shared pathways for collaboration. Dr. Erasto Mnyuka of COSTECH announced an upcoming forum where alumni could showcase their innovations to potential investors, reinforcing COSTECH’s commitment to fostering innovation among young leaders.
Capacity-Building Session: Navigating Tax and Legal Compliance
A highlight of the day was a session by Deloitte Consulting on tax and legal compliance. Targeted at alumni involved in business and non-profit sectors, the presentation covered essential steps for registering and operating compliant entities in Tanzania. Deloitte also outlined recent regulatory changes affecting startups and non-profits, providing valuable knowledge for alumni to ensure their ventures remain legally sound.
Figure 3:Partners participating in YALI Tanzania Chapter networking and capacity building event
A Call to Action
In the closing remarks, USAID's Gender and Youth Specialist Naima Bahati reminded attendees of the importance of networking. “There is more than money to be shared. Let’s focus on networks and relationships where we can make our interventions heard,” she encouraged. Chairperson Otaigo Elisha concluded by urging alumni to embrace mentorship and collaboration, embodying YALI’s spirit as they work toward a more inclusive and empowered Tanzania.
Conclusion
The YALI Tanzania Alumni Networking & Capacity-Building Event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young leaders come together with purpose and determination. The event underscored the importance of building partnerships, investing in capacity-building, and living by core values. As the alumni move forward, they are equipped not only with knowledge and resources but with a renewed commitment to drive transformative change across Tanzania.
#YALITanzania #YouthEmpowerment #Leadership #Networking #CapacityBuilding
