From Informal to Unstoppable In Tanzania

With a female labor force participation rate of 80%, one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzanian women are running businesses, feeding families, and driving local economies. But women make up roughly 60% of all informal traders, operating without formal registration, credit access, or protection. Many stay informal simply because no one has shown them the benefits of crossing over.

That's the gap Giving Joy grantees like Community Development for All (CODEFA),a Tanzanian women-led organization dedicated to empowering women and young mothers in underserved communities, was built to close

With our Giving Joy microgrant of $500, CODEFA’s Executive Director, Ruth Bethuel Mleba, led a workshop for 31 women entrepreneurs — tailors, soap makers, food vendors, and more — covering tax compliance, budgeting, record-keeping, and the path from informal to formal business.

What made this different? Real government officials showed up. Representatives from the Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Community Development Office (in photo above), and others sat down directly with participants, answered questions, and demystified registration and compliance. For many women, it was their first direct conversation with the institutions that shape their business lives.

The impact of the $500 grant:

• 31 women directly obtained financial skills - including 5 registered business owners struggling with compliance and 26 informal entrepreneurs from sectors such as tailoring, soap making, pharmacy, and food vending.

• ~155 family members with improved household stability

• 200+ customers benefiting from stronger, more compliant businesses

Women left with confidence, practical tools, and real relationships with government institutions. Informal entrepreneurs saw a clear path to formalization. Registered owners learned how to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.