Standard Chartered empowers young entrepreneurs through employee volunteering session
What you need to know:
- The focus was on helping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by youth and individuals with disabilities, navigate Tanzania’s complex legal, financial, and compliance landscape.
Dar es Salaam. Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive economic growth by hosting a dynamic employee volunteering session aimed at empowering youth-led enterprises through its flagship RISE/E program.
Held on July 25, 2025, the session brought together staff volunteers from across the bank and young entrepreneurs enrolled in the RISE/E initiative—short for Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship.
The focus was on helping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by youth and individuals with disabilities, navigate Tanzania’s complex legal, financial, and compliance landscape.
Speaking during the event, Herman Kasekende, CEO and Head of Banking and Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania, underscored the long-term vision behind the initiative.
“This is more than a one-day event. It’s a stepping stone — and our hope is that the program, along with this session, helps you think differently, dream bigger, be bolder, and take your business further,” said Kasekende.
Launched in 2024 with an investment of Sh2.2 billion, the RISE/E program is part of the bank’s global Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative, which is designed to equip the next generation with the skills to learn, earn, and grow. In Tanzania, the program has focused on boosting employment prospects for youth with disabilities while supporting microbusinesses across diverse backgrounds.
Friday’s session reflected Standard Chartered’s culture of volunteerism and employee-driven impact, as bank staff shared practical insights and mentorship on building sustainable, legally compliant, and financially viable businesses.
According to the bank, the RISE/E initiative continues to play a vital role in unlocking economic opportunities for youth and underserved groups—demonstrating how corporate engagement can directly contribute to inclusive development.
The event concluded with renewed optimism among the young entrepreneurs, who described the session as a rare opportunity to connect with professionals and gain clarity on the operational realities of growing a business in Tanzania.
