Match Maker Associates

Commonly known by its Swahili acronym MUVI (Muunganisho Ujasiriamali Vijijini), the programme supports micro, small and medium enterprises in the Coast, Mwanza, Manyara, Iringa, Ruvuma and Tanga Regions. MUVI is funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and has been implemented by the Ministry of Industry Trade and Marketing since 2007. Under the Rural Business Support Services component, Match Maker has signed a three-year contract to develop sunflower oil and citrus value chains in Tanga Region.

The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) through its World Bank financed Tanzania Business Development Scheme has agreed to support the establishment of an inclusive finance fund. Match Maker has been working since 2009 to develop the fund, which will provide access to finance to medium-sized agricultural processing companies that work closely with smallholder farmers. Access to finance is a major constraint to small and medium agricultural enterprises in Tanzania, as many lenders charge high interest rates and require large collateral because of the perceived risks. To date, Match Maker has financed the development of the fund itself but with TPSF support we will be able to upscale our fundraising, marketing and promotional activities in the coming months.

GLOBALGAP (previously EUREPGAP) has emerged in the last decade as the most important private voluntary standard in the horticulture sub sector. For African producers aiming to supply European retailers, GLOBALGAP certification has become an increasing necessity and has been adopted in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and recently Ghana. Recognising the necessity of certification, the Tanzania Horticultural Association began facilitating the formation of a national technical working group, which is the first step in the process. Presentations were made by Dr. Stephen Mbithi, the CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya and the GLOBALGAP Africa Ambassador, Kerstin Uhlig, the GLOBALGAP Stakeholder Liaison Manager and Jerry Cooper, from the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich as well as representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Marketing.