Leadership made in Tansania – From Crisis to Clarity

What’s your AHA success story?

I grew up in a family business that my father founded back in 1997 in southern Tanzania. Mtenda Kyela Rice Supply is a trading company that sources rice and maize from smallholder farmers across three districts – and sells their produce to (inter-)national markets. We also connect our suppliers with financial institutions and fertilizer providers – acting as a kind of bridge in our region’s agribusiness ecosystem.

After finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, I began managing parts of the business in 2018.
It didn’t take long for me to realize: the company was in trouble. Revenues were declining, debt was rising, and interest payments were eating up our budget.
For years, my father had been misled by some of his advisors. His limited English skills made it difficult for him to comprehend the contracts they had arranged on his behalf.

When he passed away in 2021, full responsibility fell on me — overnight.
At the time, our business was heavily focused on exports to Kenya and Zambia. But those markets were expensive to maintain, and we didn’t have the financial capacity to continue.

I faced two major challenges:
1. Regain financial strength
2. Ensure consistent market supply

We started growing our own crops and reduced the number of farmers we partnered with. I became a member of the Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT) — which eventually led me to the Young Leader Incubation Program (YLIP).

The timing couldn’t have been better.

I was struggling to revive the business and, honestly, I didn’t know how to find the right partners or how to make the difficult decisions ahead. YLIP taught me something fundamental: a better understanding of myself and my potential. What are my strengths? Where do I need support?
Most importantly: How do I make clear decisions and stand my ground?

That mindset shift — seeing myself as an agripreneur — changed a lot.
For me, that was the real AHA moment: realizing that true leadership begins with self-awareness.
A strong mindset is my foundation for success.

Today, we’ve regained control of the company. We can reliably supply our customers, and we’ve managed to turn things around.

How do you benefit from YLIP today?

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the community aspect. Through the program, I met people from many different African countries and beyond.
We learned how to engage with partners from diverse backgrounds in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
That experience still helps me today — I now know how to work effectively with a wide range of people and build long-term partnerships.
Another important realization I had through YLIP was just how valuable mentorship is.
Having someone to talk to — someone who has already walked the path you’re just starting — is a huge support.
I’ve been able to apply a lot of that insight directly to our family business. At the same time, I’ve started stepping into that role for others.
After completing the YLIP program, I launched a mentorship initiative for young farmers in my region. Today, we actively supporting around 50 aspiring agripreneurs on their journey, offering a platform for exchange and shared learning.

What was your personal highlight from the program – something that last a lasting impression?

For me, the clear highlight was the hands-on approach.
The training’s content was delivered through real-life examples. We tested the tools right away and received direct feedback on the spot.
What also stood out was the strong sense of community — you connect with people from diverse backgrounds, exchange experiences, learn from each other, and even squeeze in a casual sports session together.
That mix of practical learning and personal connection truly left a lasting impression on me.

Who would you recommend YLIP to?

To all agripreneurs — young agricultural entrepreneurs who want to move their ideas and their business forward, build strong networks, and are ready to actively shape the future of their communities.

You want to find out more about the Young Leaders Incubation Program (YLIP)? Click here 👉 Strong personalities for complex agricultural worlds, also in Southern Africa! – Andreas Hermes Akademie