The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation launched the Daraja Impact Fund in 2023 with 10 million Swiss Franc ($12.5 million) to provide flexible, impact-linked financing to Tanzania’s small and growing businesses. The fund, with a focus on youth and women-led businesses, has invested in two companies based in Dar es Salaam.
Samora Ventures aggregates farm produce to supply to restaurants. Goldenpot manufactures fortified maize products like instant porridge, maize corn puffs, and breakfast cereals, sourcing from a network of over 1,000 female farmers. For Samora, the funding means an expansion of its farmer sourcing network. Goldenpot will use the funding to meet its working capital needs, onboard more distributors and tap into additional markets.
Impact-linked
Daraja is managed by Swiss impact investment manager AlphaMundi alongside the US-based impact private equity manager Small Enterprise Assistance Funds. SEAF teamed up with Dutch development financier FMO last year to help entrepreneurs get ready for investment and measure their impact. The fund has invested over a million in 10 companies, of which more than one-third are led by women. It claims to have mobilized nearly $10 million from other investors.
Other investments by Daraja this year include The Recycler, a waste management company running women-led waste-to-cash centers; Plant Biodefenders, a producer of organic biopesticides; Kazi Yetu, which makes artisanal teas and spices; and Flamingoo Foods, which aggregates farm products and animal feed for export in East Africa.
