The Digital Market Popote Program is an innovative initiative aimed at revolutionizing how women and young entrepreneurs in Tanzania access and engage with markets. The program’s name, “Popote,” meaning “Anywhere” in Swahili, reflects its mission to empower women entrepreneurs to sell their goods and services anytime, anywhere, using digital tools.

The program focuses on addressing barriers to market access for marginalized women, including those with disabilities, by providing training, resources, and a platform to thrive in the digital economy.

Goals

1. Promote Digital Inclusion: Equip women with the skills to access and utilize digital marketing platforms.
2. Increase Market Reach: Enable entrepreneurs to expand their customer base locally and internationally.
3. Empower Economic Independence: Support women in achieving financial self-reliance through e-commerce.
4. Sustainability: Create long-term economic growth for women entrepreneurs by fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Key Features

1. Mobile-Friendly Platform: A user-friendly e-commerce website and app to showcase and sell products from women entrepreneurs.
2. Digital Marketing Training: Workshops on branding, social media marketing, and effective online selling techniques.
3. Access to Financial Tools: Partnerships with financial institutions to enable secure digital payments and micro-credit facilities.
4. Networking Opportunities: Virtual and in-person forums for women entrepreneurs to connect with potential buyers, investors, and mentors.
5. Artisan and Local Product Promotion: A special focus on promoting Tanzanian-made products, including handmade crafts, agricultural goods, and textiles.

Activities

1. Digital Literacy Sessions: Training 200 women annually on using smartphones, computers, and other devices to run their businesses.
2. Popote Market Day: A monthly virtual and physical event to showcase products, featuring promotions and live demonstrations.
3. Content Creation Support: Guidance on creating high-quality product photos, descriptions, and videos for online platforms.
4. Mentorship Program: Pairing women entrepreneurs with digital marketing experts for personalized guidance.
5. Advocacy Campaigns: Engaging with policymakers to ensure digital and economic inclusion for women entrepreneurs.

Impact So Far

• 500 Women Entrepreneurs Trained: Women from rural and underserved areas now actively selling their products online.
• Marketplace Success Stories: 70% of participants reported increased income and business growth within the first year.
• Inclusion of Women with Disabilities: Over 80 women with disabilities successfully onboarded and supported through adaptive technology solutions.
• Community Growth: Indirectly benefited over 3,000 family members and community members through increased household incomes.

Beneficiaries

• Direct: Women entrepreneurs, young girls, and women with disabilities across Tanzania.
• Indirect: Families, communities, and local economies benefiting from improved income and digital skill transfer.

Donors & Partners

• Funders:
  • Hivos Foundation (Initial support through Binti Change program).
  • Porec Limited, and other individual, from private sector partners supporting digital inclusion initiatives.
• Collaborators:
  • Puretech Company limited.
  • Local governments and women-led organizations.

Get Involved

Are you passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting digital inclusion? Join us to support the Digital Market Popote Program through funding, mentorship, or partnerships. Contact us through our contact us page or donate page.