TORONTO, Canada, December 17, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, together with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced funding that will provide opportunities for Tanzania’s poorest and most vulnerable people by fostering a better environment for small and medium-sized enterprises. Canada is contributing $15 million to the project over five years.
Minister Freeland made the announcement on the margins of the World Trade Organization’s 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Government of Canada is contributing funding to Cuso International’s Local Enterprise Development project to help make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those owned by women, to secure contracts for goods and services with businesses in the mining, gas and agricultural sectors.
It is anticipated that the project will create up to 2,500 new jobs and assist up to 1,760 Tanzanian small and medium-sized enterprises by providing marketing expertise and training, as well as greater access to financing to start, operate and expand businesses.
Quotes
“Canada recognizes that small and medium-sized enterprises are important drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction. By equipping Tanzanian entrepreneurs, especially women, with tools to start and grow their businesses, we are supporting their ability to boost economic growth and bring about positive change in their homes and communities.”
– Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade
“Canada is committed to increasing opportunities for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Our partnership with Cuso International will provide entrepreneurs in Tanzania, especially women, with the tools to participate in and benefit from the country’s growing resource sectors.”
– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
Quick facts
Tanzania is a country of focus for Canada’s international development efforts.
Canada’s international development programming in Tanzania contributes to sustainable economic growth by strengthening the government’s capacity for responsible and sustainable management of its extractive sector, enhancing government transparency and accountability, and strengthening the environment for business start-ups and their growth.
Through the Canada-Tanzania G-7 Partnership, Canada is bringing together government, the private sector and civil society in Tanzania to enhance transparency and accountability in the growing extractive sector.
Cuso International is a development organization that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors.
