As every year, former b|u|s training participants are given the opportunity to submit and refine their idea in a complex application process. The 10 finalists then present their vision in Arusha (Tanzania). The event was generously supported by the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety. Thanks to their support, it was possible to bring together a Tanzanian jury onsite and a German jury online, which meant that a wide range of perspectives and expertise could be incorporated into the assessments.
The 2024 winners are:
1. Pili Kasinja Ali: Pili Kasinja Ali from Unguja, Zanzibar was honoured for her project processing orange sweet potato flour. She recognised the health benefits of the sweet potato and a gap in the market that she could fill by producing nutrient-rich flour. Thanks to entrepreneurial training, she was able to set her production goals and now plans to produce four tonnes of flour by 2025, which will create jobs in her community.
2. Salamuu Haji Dau: Salamuu Haji Dau from Amani, Unguja founded a company that processes ginger and garlic paste to make ready-to-use portions. Through the b|u|s training courses, she was able to further develop her business idea and apply strategies for market differentiation. Her business reduces post-harvest losses and creates markets for local farmers while providing jobs.
3. J Brothers Group: The J Brothers Group from Nangara, Babati, Manyara manufactures organic crop protection products from natural substances such as garlic. Their project aims to minimise the health and environmental challenges posed by the improper use of chemical pesticides. b|u|s training has enabled them to improve their business processes and expand their market presence.
4. Sada Seid Mohammed: Sada Seid Mohammed from Micheweni, Pemba processes seaweed to make fertiliser. Her business idea arose from the need to put surplus seaweed to good use. Her business simultaneously combats pollution and provides high-quality fertiliser for agriculture, which is leading to increased income and job creation in her community.
5. Martha Malima Chogero: Martha Malima Chogero from Manyara specialises in the production of carrot flour, which is rich in important nutrients. Her training in humane nutrition combined with the b|u|s training helped her to develop a business idea that meets the nutritional needs of children, pregnant women and people with nutritional deficiencies. Her aim is to improve the health of the community and create jobs in the process.
