Zena Akuwa, a Tanzanian entrepreneur empowering people with disabilities through culinary skills — Lionesses of Africa

Tell us a little about your team

We are a team of very creative and happy chefs, very cooperative, and all with disabilities.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

The road isn’t smooth, but the way is always forward. My journey started after completing my training at Cefa. No one wanted to hire me. I didn’t have anyone to support so I had to be creative. It was then that I started to wake up early and cook fish, doing all the deliveries myself, these crutches couldn’t stop me.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

To expand into a number of outlets in 3 years in Zanzibar, Dodoma, Arusha with a training facility in Dar es Salaam.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur is a solution for me. Simply it means I am able to create a friendly environment to do my work. Also being an entrepreneur has made me more creative. 

What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Dear women, it is possible. Go outside, find your purpose and be creative. Never giving up is the only way to live.

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