TWCC calls for formalisation to boost women’s SME growth
The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) Executive Director, Ms Mwajuma Hamza, reveals on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, that over 70 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by women are not fully registered, hindering growth. The disclosure was shared during the opening of a women’s business conference in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO|IMANI MAKONGORO
She said national statistics show 60 percent of SMEs operate informally, with women leading this trend by running businesses that lack full registration.
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) has disclosed that 70 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by women are not fully registered.
TWCC’s Executive Director, Ms Mwajuma Hamza, revealed this on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the opening of a women’s business conference in Dar es Salaam.
She said national statistics show 60 percent of SMEs operate informally, with women leading this trend by running businesses that lack full registration.
“For women, this challenge is greater. Among them, 70 percent of SMEs are not fully registered. By ‘fully registered’ I mean a business with a name but without a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) certification, and other required licences, meaning it is not officially recognised,” explained Ms Hamza.
She said this limits women’s access to opportunities, including capital and credibility, and excludes them from benefits such as loans.
“When it comes to loans, TWCC may submit 100 names, but only 10 qualify. Investigations show the main reason for disqualification is a lack of formal registration,” she added.
Furthermore, she said many also lack proper recordkeeping, explaining that they may run businesses and make sales, but without it, they lack clarity, creating another hurdle.
Ms Hamza stressed that formalising a business enhances credibility, adding that TWCC guides women on accessing financial opportunities and capital growth.
“To address this challenge, we organised a three-day conference involving our members nationwide,” she said, hinting that the conference will conclude on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
According to her, 10 government institutions, including the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), and the Office of the Government Chemist, will be offering financial and investment guidance to entrepreneurs.
At the opening, a representative of the German development organisation GIZ, Mr Denis Mbangula, said women entrepreneurs have opportunities to grow employment through their businesses.
He explained that GIZ implements a programme funded by the German Government through the Ministry of Development and Cooperation, in partnership with the European Union (EU), to create employment for women and youth across eight African countries, including Tanzania.
“This is a good opportunity. The aim is to grow businesses, especially SMEs. Operating formally is key because the project targets young entrepreneurs in all eight countries where it is active,” he said.
