The project, funded by AICS, promotes sustainable economic growth in the districts of Namtumbo and Songea, aiming to ensure decent employment and fair remuneration for women, young people, and people with disabilities. The initiative brings together the expertise of a vast network of international and local partners to transform the region's potential into a modern production system.
The first pillar concerns support for entrepreneurship and development policies. Through the work of Rucodia and the Ruvuma Region (RAS), district employment offices and technical roundtables are being set up to reduce the gap between labor supply and demand. These tools, combined with participatory democracy workshops, facilitate the formalization of small and medium-sized enterprises and the creation of new micro-enterprises.
In terms of technical and vocational education, the initiative ensures access to certified courses and paid internships. VETA Songea and Mahinya College (CRAS) guarantee the quality of training, supported by digital training for teachers. Social inclusion is overseen by Shivyawata, which ensures the participation of people with disabilities, and by the use of social theater to combat all forms of discrimination in education.
The modernization of the livestock sector is the third strategic axis. Thanks to the scientific support of DIMEVET (University of Bologna) and the experience of Vet for Africa, local veterinarians have access to advanced digital technologies. The strengthening of the milk supply chain involves the direct involvement of Ngosha Dairy Farm and the exchange of know-how with the Italian company Progetto Natura. Finally, the creation of farmers' consortia and the equipping of collection centers allow for the establishment of solid commercial agreements between small producers and processing industries.
