World Environment Day 2025 Highlights Successes of Restoration Businesses
Tanzania's Restoration Factory Program Empowers Eco-Entrepreneurs
The Restoration Factory Program in Tanzania is a groundbreaking initiative that is laying the foundation for a green economy led by youth and rooted in sustainability [1][2]. This program, part of the global initiative The Restoration Initiative (TRI), offers vital support to eco-entrepreneurs working on forest restoration, land conservation, and climate-resilient business models.
The program, developed by the United Nations Environment Program - Financial Initiative (UNEP - FI) and implemented by the Vice President's Office of Tanzania, provides guidance and resources essential for advancing sustainable and restoration-focused enterprises. This assistance likely includes help with developing business models that address environmental conservation and climate resilience, fostering innovation, and offering mentorship to the participating entrepreneurs [1][2].
During the World Environment Day (WED) national exhibitions in Dodoma, three top-performing businesses showcased their ventures. Cleopatra Limandora from Patra Agroprocessing earned TZS 2.55 million in sales, while Goodluck Kapinga of Dream Bees Africa secured orders worth over TZS 10.5 million. Annet Mutembei of Nishati Eco, who generated TZS 925,000 in revenue from selling eco-friendly briquettes, gained national attention and is now part of clean cooking conversations [1][2].
The Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, commended the eco-entrepreneurs during his visit to the exhibition and directed government stakeholders to provide land, equipment, and funding for Annet's Nishati Eco to scale up production. He also encouraged Dream Bees Africa to expand their product line to include bee venom and pollen [1][2].
Participants in the Restoration Factory Program embark on an 8-module incubation journey based on Bridge for Billions' innovation-based entrepreneurship methodology. They receive intensive technical and mentorship support to transform raw ideas into viable and scalable business models [1][2].
To further support the eco-ventures, round table discussions will be organized with industrialists, funders, and investors to unlock financing and investments. The program culminates in a high-profile graduation and pitching event, where entrepreneurs showcase their ventures to a panel of experts and practitioners [1][2].
In addition, five businesses were selected as top performers and will receive a cash prize each. The Restoration Factory Program is indeed a significant step towards fostering a sustainable and green economy in Tanzania, empowering young entrepreneurs to make a difference in forest restoration, land conservation, and climate resilience.
[1] The Restoration Factory Program in Tanzania [2] Vice President's Office of Tanzania - Restoration Factory Program
- The Restoration Factory Program in Tanzania is contributing to the development of a green economy, focusing on sustainability and led by youth.
- The program, part of The Restoration Initiative (TRI), offers vital support to eco-entrepreneurs working on forest restoration, land conservation, and climate-resilient business models.
- During a World Environment Day (WED) national exhibition, Cleopatra Limandora, Goodluck Kapinga, and Annet Mutembei showcased their eco-friendly ventures, earning significant sales.
- To further support these ventures, round table discussions will be organized with various stakeholders, including industrialists, funders, and investors, to unlock financing and investments.
- The home and garden businesses chosen as top performers will receive cash prizes, as the Restoration Factory Program continues to foster environmental-science initiates related to food-and-drink and beverages.
- The program aims to empower entrepreneurship in the science field, particularly in environmental-science, and encourages the creation of finance-backed businesses that positively impact the climate-change, lifestyle, and home-and-garden sectors.
