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Campus hustlers: Tanzanian students turning side gigs into thriving businesses
With smartphone usage on the rise, the trade in phone accessories has become particularly lucrative—especially among the youth, who are both key consumers and sellers.
What you need to know:
- Although not every student becomes a millionaire before graduation, many are earning enough to comfortably sustain themselves—and in some cases, even grow thriving enterprises.
Dar es Salaam. While universities are traditionally viewed as centres of academic learning, an increasing number of students across Tanzania are also using their time on campus to build successful small businesses that generate steady daily income.
Although not every student becomes a millionaire before graduation, many are earning enough to comfortably sustain themselves—and in some cases, even grow thriving enterprises.
In a series of interviews with students from various higher learning institutions, The Citizen found a vibrant wave of campus entrepreneurship. These ventures are often driven more by market demand, peer influence and passion than by academic disciplines.
Here is a look at some of the most common and profitable businesses being run by students.
Tech gadgets
With smartphone usage on the rise, the trade in phone accessories has become particularly lucrative—especially among the youth, who are both key consumers and sellers.
A student at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Suzanna Bakari, has been selling wireless ear pods for the past two years. Starting with a capital of Sh210,000, she now sells around 30 units per order within and outside her campus.
“This business has different price points, and it really pays. I make enough to meet my daily needs,” she says.
Suzanna leverages social media to market her products and even delivers to customers beyond Dar es Salaam. “People love pods because they represent the future of audio tech; no one wants wired earphones anymore,” she adds.
At Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU), Peter Raphael began selling accessories with a capital investment of between Sh200,000 and Sh500,000. What started as a dorm-room operation has grown into a small shop at Mwenge.
“This business hasn't interfered with my studies; if anything, it has prepared me for real-world entrepreneurship,” he notes. “I'm graduating with two types of knowledge—academic and business skills.”
Meanwhile, at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Hashim Salehe markets earphones, smartwatches, power banks and phone cases through WhatsApp and Instagram. His clients include students, lecturers and campus staff.
“I offer pre-orders, discounts and deliveries on campus. I basically bring the tech shop to them,” he explains.
Online fashion boutiques
Clothing businesses are another favourite among student entrepreneurs, with many turning to online platforms to sell trendy outfits and shoes.
An accounting student at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Rose Ruben, launched her online fashion boutique with just Sh150,000.
“People want to look good and keep up with trends. Business picks up when students receive their stipends or at month-end,” she shares.
She operates entirely online, using mobile money for transactions and enlisting fellow students as models for her digital catalogues.
A Public Relations and Advertising student at the University of Dar es Salaam, Rasuli Abdala, also runs a fashion boutique. He used his boom money to start the business, sourcing clothing from Kariakoo and overseas.
“Young people love to look stylish. If you have good suppliers, this business can be very profitable,” he says.
Creative gifts
Some students are monetising their creative talents. A 22-year-old student at Tumaini University Makumira in Arusha, Gloria Shuma crafts personalised photo frames from recycled materials.
“People love customised, handmade gifts for birthdays, graduations and anniversaries. What started as a passion project is now my main source of income,” she explains.
Beauty and skincare
The beauty sector is also drawing in enterprising students. Saraphina Jacob, who studies at the College of Business Education (CBE), began by promoting products for cosmetic shops and now offers make-up services and sells skincare items independently.
“I used to take photos of products in stores and market them on campus. Now I have regular clients who reach out to me whenever they need to look good,” she says.
Snack sales
Food remains a timeless business opportunity. At the Institute of Social Work, Lucy Gabriel makes and sells egg-coated peanuts, biscuits and other snacks from her hostel.
She began with just Sh50,000 and now receives daily orders, often selling out by the end of the day.
“It’s a great business because people love to snack, especially when studying or during breaks,” she remarks.
