How Digital Literacy is Powering Women’s Economic Transformation in Kigoma

In Kigoma, Tanzania, where most livelihoods depend on small-scale farming and informal trade, women form the backbone of the economy. Yet limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to women’s full economic participation, especially in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa, a 39-year-old agro-entrepreneur and mother of three, is among the women transforming their businesses through digital tools. She runs a small enterprise in Kigoma town, milling and packaging maize, cassava, and nutritious flours.

In 2024, Kamandwa joined a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women under the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II). The initiative aimed to equip women with practical skills to expand their businesses online, while advancing Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Alumni from the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) co-facilitated sessions, offering peer-led guidance.

“Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and photos,” said Kamandwa. “Now, I use it to market my products, reach more customers, and keep records.”

She also improved her packaging and branding – updates that boosted her sales. “After switching to better-quality packaging and listing ingredients and registration numbers, people had more confidence in my products.”

Kamandwa now uses accessible digital platforms such as WhatsApp to take orders and plans to mentor other women. “The changes we made might seem small, but it’s transforming how we work.”

UN Women’s partnerships with local authorities, mobile service providers, and private sector actors under KJP II aim to foster an enabling business environment and help women-led enterprises enter formal markets.

“If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,” she said.