Elaika Swai: A Business Rooted in Growth
In the farming community of Malimbe, Mwanza, one small shop has quietly become a vital part of local agriculture. Behind the counter stands Elaika Swai, a businesswoman who understands the rhythm of the seasons and the needs of the farmers who depend on them.
Before the intervention
Elaika’s shop didn’t always carry the variety it does today. In the early days, she focused on a few essential agrochemical products, helping farmers protect and nourish their crops. But as word spread and demand rose, she found herself at a crossroads: customers were asking for more than she could offer.
That challenge would have slowed many entrepreneurs down. But for Elaika, it became a turning point.
A chance to apply for seed funding through the Imbeju Program, run by the CRDB Bank Foundation, arrived just in time. She secured TZS 5 million enough to restock her shelves and introduce a much wider range of products that local farmers needed.
She didn’t expand her shop or renovate her space. Instead, she invested in inventory the kind that brings farmers back and keeps them coming. “Before, I had to tell customers to wait or come back another day,” Elaika explains. “Now, I have what they need, when they need it.”
Immediate impact
The impact? Immediate. Sales climbed from TZS 350,000 a day to over TZS 500,000. With the extra business, she hired a staff member to support day-to-day operations, ensuring smoother service and faster turnaround for her growing customer base.
Beyond her store, Elaika became more involved in the local business community. She joined the Sinai Group, a network of Mwanza entrepreneurs who share advice and support one another. It’s a space where she not only learns but also gives back, offering insights from her own journey.
And while the numbers tell part of the story, Elaika sees a deeper change: stability. With more income, she’s been able to plan for the future, support her household, and grow her confidence as a leader in her field.
She puts it simply: “This helped me build a business that farmers can depend on and that I can depend on too.”
Elaika’s success is part of a much bigger story. The Imbeju Program has supported over 576,723 entrepreneurs and provided more than TZS 10 billion in seed capital across Tanzania. For business owners like Elaika, this support has turned small ventures into dependable sources of income—helping not only individuals but entire communities grow stronger and more self-reliant.