One of the fundamental pillars of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency is the Training and Empowerment Program Coordination Department. This department is central to delivering the agency’s mission, as it develops and oversees comprehensive training programs and initiatives focused on entrepreneurship and production enhancement. Headed by a Director, the department ensures the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of Zanzibar’s entrepreneurs.
To effectively carry out its mandate the department is organized into two divisions:
Entrepreneurship Training Coordination Division
This division is dedicated to the development and execution of training programs that enhance entrepreneurial skills, business knowledge, and innovation capabilities. The division provides essential support for:
Training in basic and advanced entrepreneurial skills, which help individuals start, manage, and grow their businesses.
Business management techniques and financial literacy, empowering entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, manage finances, and optimize resources.
Small business incubation support, offering essential guidance and mentoring for start-up businesses in their early stages.
Production Training Coordination Division
This division focuses on developing skills and knowledge to improve production processes, efficiency, and quality. It is crucial for entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing, agriculture, and other productive sectors. Its programs include:
Training on the latest production techniques and technologies to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
Quality management training to ensure that products meet market standards and consumer expectations.
Sustainable practices and resource optimization training, enabling businesses to reduce waste, lower production costs, and embrace eco-friendly methods.
The department’s responsibilities are designed to ensure that every aspect of training and empowerment is addressed. Key functions include:
1. Development and Coordination of Economic Empowerment Programs
The department designs and coordinates economic empowerment programs that support citizen’s economic independence. These programs cover a broad spectrum of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services, enabling entrepreneurs across industries to develop relevant skills.
2. Creating Training Curricula and Materials
The department is responsible for developing customized training curricula, guidelines, and teaching materials to support entrepreneurship and business training. These materials are designed to be practical and user-friendly, making it easy for participants to understand and apply what they learn.
3. Incorporating Entrepreneurship into School Curricula
In recognition of the importance of early exposure to entrepreneurial skills, the department collaborates with educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurship education into primary and secondary school curricula. This early intervention helps to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship among youth.
4. Provision of Training Infrastructure and Equipment
Ensuring that all necessary training infrastructure and equipment are available is a core responsibility. The department facilitates the acquisition of tools, technology, and facilities required for practical training, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience.
5. Coordinating Business Advisory Services through EBDS Centers:
The agency establishes and oversees Enterprise-Based Development Support (EBDS) Centers across various districts to offer business advisory services. These centers serve as hubs where entrepreneurs can access guidance, mentorship, and support to address specific challenges, build networks, and find solutions to business obstacles.
6. Delivering Specialized Training Programs
Through partnerships with relevant institutions, the department organizes and delivers specialized training on production techniques, business strategy, and entrepreneurial skills. This hands-on training helps entrepreneurs refine their processes, increase production capacity, and enhance product quality to meet market demands.