From Domestic Work to Digital Dreams: Nasra’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

My name is Nasra. I’m a 20-year-old woman from Irente View, Lushoto, Tanga. I am currently not in school but actively working as an entrepreneur. I have been a proud participant in the Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) by Asante Africa Foundation. I took part in the program’s launch and have been involved in several of its activities, including training parents on basic business skills and supporting myself through domestic work.

This program has had a huge impact on my life. The skills I gained in entrepreneurship and digital literacy empowered me to start a small retail shop in my neighborhood. The e-commerce and marketing practice I gained in DEEP helped me see a path to financial independence, through selling clothes and merchandise. When I realized there was no shop nearby to serve local families, I saw an opportunity and acted on it. Since opening the business three months ago, I’ve been able to earn $5-10 US daily income. My parents have been very supportive, helping me manage the shop and offering valuable advice.

Through this business, I now help my family meet basic needs such as food and school supplies for my younger siblings. My starting capital was TZS 840,000 (about $325 US), and today the shop has stock worth TZS 600,000 ($232 US). I am able to pay rent each month and am in the process of acquiring a business license to make everything official. One of the major challenges I face is that many people in the neighborhood buy goods on credit, which affects my cash flow. To manage this, I adjusted prices to make products more affordable and make sure I offer excellent customer service. I also talk to my customers to learn about their preferences so I can stock what they truly need.

If Asante Africa Foundation had not supported me, I believe my life would have taken a very different turn – possibly even early marriage. But instead, I am now a businesswoman with a vision, working hard to grow my enterprise and support my family. I am the fifth born in a family of seven children, and I am proud to be making a real difference at home.

I sincerely thank Asante Africa Foundation for standing by me and many others. You have not only supported me economically but also given me the confidence to dream big. I encourage the organization to continue expanding these opportunities, especially for girls. We face many challenges and need these platforms to succeed. That is why I have started helping other youth in my community with digital literacy as well.

 Your support has changed my life, and I know it can change many more!