What the Project Is
Kazi Yetu is an Africa-based, women-owned specialty tea and botanicals company that champions ethical sourcing from Tanzania, uplifting communities and creating jobs through local value addition. Founded to change the way products are made and traded between Africa and the rest of the world, this project is all about processing, blending, and packaging high-quality products from a women-run factory in Tanzania. It sets itself apart by ensuring that every step—from harvesting to the final pack—is done right in Tanzania, leaving a tangible, positive impact on the local communities. Tahira and Hendrik established Kazi Yetu in 2018 with a simple yet powerful vision: to foster job creation for women and secure more equitable pay for farmers, which is a refreshing departure from the norm where commodities exported from Africa are mostly processed and packaged abroad. This project is a testament to transforming traditional trade practices by keeping economic gains within the country of origin and empowering local hands every step of the way… it truly is a journey of innovation and social good.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts include:
- Founded in 2018 by Tahira and Hendrik, focusing on products made 100% in East Africa.
- Ethical sourcing directly from Tanzania, ensuring that profits remain local.
- Women-run factory operations in Dar es Salaam, which add value locally.
- Farmers’ earnings improved significantly: previously making $0.15/kg for raw green leaf, now earning $0.20/kg for green leaf and at least 500% more revenue through processed orthodox tea sales.
- Bcorp score of 98.3, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility.
Tea Journey in Tanzania
The tea journey here is as captivating as the flavors themselves. Specialty tea blends are harvested in the Usambara mountains—an area known for its warm, mountainous climate that unlocks unique dimensionality and taste. In a charming twist, the nourishing spices are sourced from Zanzibar, also famed as the “spice island.” The natural harmony between these geographic gems is not just a treat for the palate but also a symbol of Tanzania’s rich agricultural heritage. The project pays homage to its roots, intertwining tradition with modernity, and it does so in an engaging, almost conversational tone where every sip tells a story.
Changing the Trade Paradigm
At its core, the project aims to revolutionize traditional trade practices between Africa and the rest of the world. Unlike the common scenario where products are processed and packaged in foreign lands—stripping away economic benefits from the country of origin—Kazi Yetu ensures that local value addition remains at the forefront. This conscious shift not only redefines how products are made and traded but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and equitable future. It’s a subtle reminder that sometimes, returning to one’s roots and nurturing local talents yields the most authentic and meaningful flavors.
Empowering Local Communities
Empowerment is at the heart of the project, as it lifts communities and creates opportunities for women and local farmers alike. Processing, blending, and packaging are all conducted in a women-run factory right in Dar es Salaam, which sends a resounding message of trust and value in female leadership. With the establishment of the Sakare Specialty Tea factory in 2023—the first cooperative-owned tea processing factory in Tanzania—the project has made it possible for farmers to earn more and improve their livelihoods. The initiative champions a culture of upliftment, reinforcing that when local communities are given the platform, the results are both delicious and transformative.
Innovative Agricultural Processing
This project isn’t just about tea or spices—it represents an innovative leap in the Agricultural Processing industry. By connecting the dots between ethical sourcing and local processing, the initiative paves the way for a more sustainable economic model. The monthly operations of the women-run factory, the cooperative structure of the Sakare Specialty Tea factory, and the improved earnings for farmers all come together to create a dynamic ecosystem. It is a flow of energy that empowers small producers and celebrates the vibrancy of Tanzania’s agricultural sector, all while serving up specialty products that taste distinctly of their origin.
The Project Impact
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Contributing to poverty alleviation through improved earnings for farmers.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Fostering an inclusive environment for women through leadership in processing and operations.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting local job creation and fair economic opportunities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasizing ethical sourcing and local value addition.
Looking Ahead
The future of this venture is as promising as its mission. With each step—from sourcing tea in the Usambara mountains to packaging in Dar es Salaam—the project fuels a cycle of local empowerment and innovative agricultural processing that benefits everyone involved. The trailblazing approach of processing, blending, and packaging right in Tanzania not only ensures that more of the profit stays local but also sets a precedent for how other countries can reclaim value within their own borders. The conversational and dynamic flow of each stage of production echoes a broader call for ethical and sustainable trading practices. As trends shift and consumer awareness grows, initiatives like this will continue to inspire and pave the way for an equitable global marketplace that treasures its roots and supports its people.
