Walu Keneth Lema’s Comeback:
Walu Keneth Lema has been in the oil and lubricants trade for over 20 years. She’s not new to business, and she’s certainly not new to challenges. Her shop in Makao Mapya, Arusha, has seen both busy days and quiet ones—but until recently, the quiet ones were becoming too common.
Struggling with insufficient capital
Walu’s business had been struggling with insufficient capital to maintain and diversify its inventory. She had tapped into her tire capital to expand other product lines, leaving her tire stock depleted.
“You take from one part of the business to build another, and before you know it, you’re stretched thin.”
Customers came in looking for tires, and often left disappointed. The ripple effect was real: fewer walk-ins, lower income, and the risk of falling behind in a market she knew well.
That’s when the Imbeju Program stepped in.
With a TZS 4 million boost in seed funding, Walu was able to restock her tires. It wasn’t a flashy overhaul, but it was exactly what she needed to steady her footing and move forward.
“The funding gave me breathing room,” she says. “I could finally say yes to customers again.”
And they came back!
Slowly at first, then steadily drivers, mechanics, and longtime clients who appreciated seeing her shelves full again. Her daily walk-ins more than doubled. Repeat customers returned. And most importantly, Walu regained the confidence that had once made her a local go-to.
But it wasn’t just about business. With improved income, she began setting aside savings something she hadn’t been able to do in years.
Even more inspiring, Walu began mentoring two young women from her neighborhood who were curious about running a shop of their own. “I tell them the truth,” she laughs. “This work isn’t easy—but it’s worth it if you’re ready to commit.”
Now, Walu is focused not just on growing her shop, but on laying a foundation for the next generation of women in business. She sees the Imbeju support as more than just a loan—it was a reset, a reminder of what she’s capable of.
‘’This wasn’t about starting over. It was about building better,” she says. Walu’s story is proof that with the right push at the right time, even well-worn businesses can find new life—and even stronger purpose.
Walu’s journey is just one example of how the Imbeju Program is helping people grow their businesses and improve their lives. So far, the program has supported over 576,723 entrepreneurs and given out more than TZS 10 billion in seed capital.