Anza

ANZA – Female Founder Initiative

ANZA means “Let’s start!” in Swahili and is a female founder initiative of Africa Amini Alama in Tanzania.

The initiative is aimed at women living in very precarious conditions – many of them single mothers who are solely responsible for providing for their children. Even without formal schooling, it is their responsibility to finance their children’s education, as access to school is not possible without money. The pressure – and at the same time the strong desire – to generate an independent income and sustainably improve living conditions for their families is therefore immense.

ANZA stands for “beginning” – and that is exactly what it is about: the beginning of new perspectives, carried by courage, practical education, and concrete personal support.

Why ANZA?

Many women possess skills, ideas, and strong motivation. What they often lack is access to training, start-up capital, guidance, and a supportive environment.

This is where ANZA comes in.

The project combines:

• practical, hands-on vocational training,
• personal and entrepreneurial mentoring,
• collective reflection and peer support,
• and the strengthening of self-responsibility and self-confidence.

ANZA does not view economic independence in isolation, but as part of personal development, community, and responsibility toward family and society.

The Beginning – and First Impact

The idea for ANZA emerged in spring 2025. Just a few months later, the first steps were already implemented:

• In August 2025, a selection workshop was held with women interested in becoming self-employed.
• In September, the first training groups started.
• By December 2025, 46 women had been trained in various fields:
  soap making, bread and cake baking, cheese production, batik, and hairdressing.

All participants come from very challenging living conditions, many of them with three to seven children.
Through the trainings, they now possess practical skills that enable them to immediately generate their own income – a crucial step toward greater stability, dignity, and self-determination.

What began as an idea became lived reality within a very short time.

More Than Training

ANZA does not end with learning a trade or acquiring skills.

In monthly meetings, the women entrepreneurs continue to receive guidance and support. The content includes, among others:

• basic principles of entrepreneurship,
• planning, costing, and simple bookkeeping,
• first steps in marketing and product presentation,
• personal hygiene and product hygiene,
• reflection on personal development and strengthening individual capabilities.

The focus is on making existing strengths visible and developing them further – individually and as a group.

Made Possible Together

That ANZA was able to emerge and have such an impact in a short time is thanks to the trust and support of many people. Donors made it possible to act quickly and to offer women concrete opportunities.

ANZA is growing – carried by encounters, commitment, and the conviction that sustainable change begins where people are empowered to walk their own path.

Outlook

The next selection workshop is planned for March 2026. Depending on further funding, a second ANZA group is expected to start in the months that follow.

ANZA stands for beginning, development, and hope – and for women who have the courage to try something new.