Positively Impacting Indigenous Pastoralists

Engishon promotes economic justice by providing financial opportunities, especially for pastoralist women and youth.

Through partnerships, we offer financial services and training to empower communities to break the cycle of poverty.

Engishon: Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

At Engishon, we believe that financial empowerment is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting change. Our mission is simple: to provide innovative financial solutions that help marginalised communities, particularly women and youth, achieve economic independence and prosperity despite the seasonal and climatic challenges of their business environment.

Investing in Women, Investing in the Future

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed deep economic inequalities, making it even harder for underserved communities to access financial resources. That’s why ENGISHON partners with grassroots organisations, credit unions, and government agencies to create financial literacy programmes, microfinance opportunities, and business support initiatives—ensuring that no one is left behind.

As a social enterprise rooted in gender equity, women make up more than 80% of our outreach and over 70% of our leadership and staff. We know that when women thrive, entire communities flourish. By prioritising women's financial inclusion, we are changing lives and positively impacting the future and sustainability of pastoralism in northern Tanzania.

We are passionate about creating opportunities where none existed before. Whether it is helping pastoralist women start businesses, equipping youth with financial literacy, or advocating for inclusive financial policies, ENGISHON is driving real change.

Our real-world impact is borne out by our clients, who shared their personal stories of growth with us, including these from a recent microfinance workshop:

> “I had tailoring experience but didn’t own a sewing machine. With my first individual loan from Engishon, I started selling rice, sugar, and beans at the market. That income allowed me to buy a machine and start sewing. I later took a second loan through my VICOBA group (Faraja Sale), and now I have a full tailoring shop where I also sell vitenge fabrics.” Jesca Willium Ndoria. Youth Client and Engishon Volunteer, Sale - Loliondo Branch.

>“Before the Engishon loan, I was struggling with another commercial loan and running a stationery business with limited stock. I nearly closed it. Then I took a loan from Engishon through my VICOBA group (Kikundi cha Nengai). Now, my business has expanded-I have my own printer and I supply to others.” Neema Philemon. Youth Client, Longido Branch.

> “Before the Engishon loan, I was completely dependent and couldn’t afford to send my children to school. After receiving a loan, I started a retail business selling household commodities at market. With my profits I was able to buy one cow and two goats. The milk I sell provides steady income. Now, I am financially independent, my children are in school, I’ve bought land, and I’ve started building a house with bricks. Engishon helped me focus and build a future.” Belgina Mereso. Client, Monduli Branch.

> “My husband left with everything and abandoned me and our children with no means to survive. We depended on help from neighbors. But after receiving Engishon training and a loan through my VICOBA group (Kikundi cha Nailepu), I bought goats and opened a small shop. Today, my children are attending school, I run my own business, and I am no longer dependent on anyone.” Anna Kimirei. Client, NCA Loliondo-Branch.

Read more case studies that describe the detailed impact that Engishon loans and the prerequisite businesses and financial literacy training have on the lives of our clients.

It is their life-changing stories of economic prosperity and independence that drive us forward to increase our impact across the community.