07/02/2026
"I quit my job in IT to become an entrepreneur. My job was very stressful and I wanted to start my own business because it was always a dream of mine. It wasn’t easy - I started from scratch. No income, not knowing whether people would choose my products, nothing! But I remember when we were young, our parents in Tanzania owned a business and it taught us so much. To be self-reliant, to be ambitious, so it was a natural step for me.
When I took this step, I sacrificed a lot. My time, my knowledge, my degrees, I even lost some friends. I just decided to stick with my promise, and step out of my comfort zone. I knew by doing this I could create a better life for my family, create a better foundation. I know I’m still in a difficult position, my business is still new, but I have high hopes for the future.
I feel very proud of myself for taking this step. I have made great strides on accomplishing my dreams plus I have also helped advertise my country, Tanzania, and the beautiful traditions and customs of where I come from.
My advice to people thinking of taking that step into entrepreneurship is that if you have a dream, then do not hesitate to chase it. Do not be a slave to other people’s minds and ideas because at the end of the day you need to live and make your own life … not someone else’s."
Asya Mohammad, founder of Zanzibari
