PRESS RELEASE

Hon. Bernard Membe (left), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in  a photo with Mr. Julius Shirima, winner of the African region and an overall winner amongst 18 finalists for the pan-Commonwealth Youth Awards of 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Tanzanian government has applauded the work of DARECHA, a youth owned micro-venture capital firm that builds capacity of young people in entrepreneurial skills as well as promoting businesses in a shared network. Its founder, Mr. Julius Shirima (26) is a recent winner of Commonwealth Youth Awards 2015 for his commitment in lifting lives of his fellow youth through entrepreneurship.

In his brief meeting with Mr. Shirima, Hon. Bernard Membe, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and also the current chair of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group said DARECHA’s business model not only promotes young businesses and assists young people of Tanzania but is also inspirational.

“Your work inspires all of us and I do hope that your fellow youth will emulate such initiative, in different areas. Well done, congratulations” said Minister Membe.

Mr. Shirima emerged winner of the African region and an overall winner amongst 18 finalists for the pan-Commonwealth Youth Awards of 2015. In addition to the decorated awards, Mr. Shirima also received 5,000 pounds to be re-invested into his business. Other winners from other regions received 3,000 pounds each.

Through Mr. Shirima’s DARECHA a network of over 5,000 young people is established which enables young Tanzanian entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into profitable ventures and eventually provide employment to other young people. DARECHA’s business model has also been adopted in other countries in the region.

“We at the Foreign office are very proud of Mr. Shirima’s accomplishments in the country and now outside, to the Commonwealth. My office and I will provide the necessary support for his endeavor, for Tanzania’s future leaders” concluded Mr. Membe.

Hon. Membe met with Mr. Shirima briefly after adjourning the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) which he currently chairs. Commonwealth has 53 member states and nine out of these forms CMAG. Other Commonwealth countries also in CMAG are New Zealand (Vice Chair), Gayana, Solomon Island, Pakistan, Cyprus, India, Siera Leone and Sri Lanka.

Issued by:

Government Communication Unit,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

16.03.2015