“Tanzania’s SBL Initiatives Attract Youth Interest in Agriculture Programs”

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) in Dar es Salaam is pioneering empowerment and inclusivity through its innovative agriculture programs, Kilimo Viwanda, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) apprenticeship. The Government Relations Manager at SBL, Ms. Neema Temba, emphasized the company's commitment to education, sustainability, and the growth of Tanzania's agricultural sector, with a focus on ensuring gender equality and inclusion.

The agriculture sector in Tanzania is a significant contributor to the country's GDP, accounting for 30%, and employing 70% of the population. However, the sector faces a demographic challenge as young people are hesitant to actively participate. In response, SBL initiated the Kilimo Viwanda Programme, a beacon of hope for underprivileged students pursuing agricultural-related courses. Over the past four years, the program has sponsored more than 200 students, creating a pool of knowledgeable professionals ready to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector.

Ms. Temba highlighted that the Kilimo Viwanda Programme is not just a scholarship initiative but a strategic investment in the future of Tanzania's agricultural legacy, ensuring both girls and boys receive equal education. This program aligns seamlessly with SBL's commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainability within the supply chain.

Recognizing the gender disparity in STEM fields, particularly for girls in secondary education, SBL established the STEM Apprenticeship programme. This initiative aims to uplift young women in STEM and addresses the under-representation of women in science subjects. Sponsored by SBL's parent company, Diageo, the STEM Apprenticeship programme contributes to Diageo's 10-year plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.

Tanzania faces challenges in secondary education enrollment, especially for girls, resulting in the under-representation of women in STEM fields. SBL's STEM Apprenticeship programme actively addresses this gender gap by sponsoring students in higher education. The commitment to national development is evident in SBL's support for the Tanzanian government's Third Five-Year Development Plan, aligning its initiatives with the country's growth priorities.

The impact of SBL's initiatives is evident in success stories, with graduates of the STEM Apprenticeship programme now working as Autonomous Maintenance Operators at the Moshi plant. These initiatives are breaking barriers for girls and women aspiring to enter STEM fields, providing tangible skills and fostering curiosity and problem-solving through science.

In summary, SBL's Kilimo Viwanda and STEM Apprenticeship programmes stand as inspiring models of corporate responsibility and commitment to inclusive education. By investing in the potential of young girls in Tanzania, SBL is not only transforming lives but also contributing significantly to the nation's sustainable development and the growth of its agricultural and technological sectors.