Everything began to change when Musiba learned about the Imbeju Program through its partnership with FUNGUO. Through the initiative, Jambo Asali received a working capital and financial literacy training to strengthen business management skills.

“We used about 90% of the funds from the Imbeju Program to buy raw materials, especially beeswax,” Musiba explains. “That allowed us to buy on time, process more, and meet the growing demand.”

The results were impressive. With improved cash flow and better planning, Jambo Asali increased its export capacity from 14 tons to 60 tons in a year, Local sales also grew significantly in a month.

As production expanded, so did the team. The company grew from 10 to 24 employees, including both office and factory staff. Beyond that, many beekeepers in different regions now rely on Jambo Asali as a steady buyer for their honey.

“The Imbeju Program changed the way we operate,” says Musiba. “The due diligence process, the model of operations, and the fact that the loans do not require any collateral, all of that makes it easier for small businesses like ours to grow.”

Even with these achievements, Musiba says capital is still a challenge, especially as the company looks to scale. His next goals are to digitize the business, expand into more foreign markets.

When asked what advice he would give to other entrepreneurs, Musiba’s answer is simple:

“Business needs a positive attitude. You must believe in your vision and keep going, even when it’s hard.”

From struggling to keep up with seasonal demand to exporting Tanzanian honey around the world, Jambo Asali’s growth shows what’s possible when local entrepreneurs are supported with the right training, capital, and opportunities.