Omary Kisomah’s journey reflects resilience, growth, and the transformative power of early entrepreneurial support.
While still in school, Omary joined the UWEZO CLUB, where he participated in an entrepreneurship project that introduced him to the fundamentals of running a business. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and peer learning, he gained practical skills in financial literacy, business planning, customer care, marketing, and saving culture. More importantly, this experience shaped his mindset, giving him the confidence and vision to see opportunities where others saw limitations.
In June 2024, he officially launched his entrepreneurial journey with two small businesses, producing liquid soap and perfume, both made by himself. What began as simple, student-led initiatives quickly became the foundation for a growing enterprise.
Building on the skills he gained through UWEZO CLUB, Omary steadily expanded his efforts into multiple ventures. Today, he manages a diversified portfolio of businesses, including a salon, a paid daily Wi-Fi service, and grain-processing services such as dehulling and milling. Each business responds directly to everyday needs within its community, ensuring steady demand and relevance.
In the early stages, his businesses generated around TZS 336,000 per month (approximately USD 130), with frequent income fluctuations. Through discipline, reinvestment, and improved business practices, his combined monthly income has now grown to between TZS 1,200,000 and 1,500,000 (approximately USD 460 to USD 580), even as some income streams remain inconsistent.
This growth has created opportunities for himself and others. Omary currently employs seven young people across his businesses: 1 in the salon, 5 managing the WiFi service and 1 operating the grain milling machine, contributing to job creation and local economic activity. At the same time, he continues to personally oversee critical aspects of production, especially in his soap business, to maintain quality standards.
He is also taking steps toward formalisation. Omary has successfully registered his business name with BRELA and has applied for full company registration, signalling his commitment to building a legitimate and scalable enterprise.
His journey is not without challenges. As a university student, balancing academic responsibilities with managing multiple businesses requires constant discipline. Small businesses in Tanzania demand close supervision, and without it, risks such as financial loss or mismanagement increase. In addition, regulatory processes, such as obtaining certification from TBS, are often lengthy and discouraging for young entrepreneurs. At the same time, rising competition from other educated and innovative youth pushes him to continuously adapt and improve.
Despite these challenges, Omary remains focused and determined. He envisions growing into a large-scale entrepreneur, expanding his businesses, and creating even more employment opportunities for others in his community.
Omary’s story is a powerful testament to what happens when young people are equipped early with the right skills, mindset, and support. Through the UWEZO PROGRAM, he did not just learn about business; he built one, and continues to grow it.
