MP Byabato Ignites Coffee Revolution in Kagera, Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Unity
By Mutayoba Arbogast
In a visionary move to energize both the local economy and communal bonds, residents of Kagera in Northwest Tanzania are being galvanized to embrace a new cultural cornerstone: daily coffee consumption.
Coffee drink being prepared , grab your cup
Spearheading this transformative initiative is Bukoba Urban Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for East African Affairs, Adv. Stephen Lujwahuka Byabato. His impassioned call to action unfolded during a vibrant gathering with small entrepreneurs in Bukoba town, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards economic empowerment and social cohesion.
Addressing the audience, Byabato emphasized the untapped potential of coffee consumption in a region renowned as Tanzania’s largest producer of the crop. “We have not fully embraced the potential of our coffee production,” he remarked, urging residents to recognize the economic benefits and health advantages of regularly consuming coffee.
The occasion dubbed the BMM Kahawa Party, served dual purposes: celebrating local entrepreneurship and promoting community development through coffee culture. Originating from the influential BMM WhatsApp group, the event highlighted Byabato’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives.
A section of entrepreneurs and Bukoba urban development stakeholders who attended the BMM kahawa party
Over Tsh 3 million was allocated to empower local entrepreneurs, including funding for capital enhancement and provision of essential tools such as gas cylinders and smartphones to facilitate business operations.”We do not have the culture of drinking coffee the way we ought to be,” Byabato continued, addressing the attendees. “I think there is a need for our people to be educated about the benefits of drinking coffee. You, coffee drink sellers, you are doing a good job, and we must encourage you.”
The event was not only a platform for economic empowerment but also included financial education sessions conducted by prominent financial institutions including NMB, CRDB, MKOMBOZI, and NBC banks. These sessions aimed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage and grow their businesses effectively.
Entrepreneurs present at the gathering expressed gratitude for Byabato’s proactive stance in community development. They credited his leadership for recent infrastructural enhancements in Bukoba town, including road construction, bus stand rehabilitation, and the establishment of a new central market in pipeline. “Indeed, where there is a will, there is a way,” remarked one entrepreneur. “Your actions show concern and true commitment to improving the lives of Bukoba Urban citizens who have entrusted you with their support.”
Photo courtesy: Bukoba Urban constituency Member of Parliament, Adv.Stephen Byabato, handling a smartphone to an entrepreneur
Accordong to Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB), there was a significant increase in coffee production, rising from 52 tonnes in 2018/19 to 78,300 metric tonnes in the latest season. This surge has not only boosted local farmers’ incomes but also positioned Kagera as a pivotal player in Tanzania’s coffee industry.
Situated on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, Bukoba town boasts natural beauty with picturesque beaches and verdant hills, yet it has faced challenges in modernizing its infrastructure. Byabato’s ongoing initiatives seek to address these gaps, aiming to transform Bukoba into a dynamic economic hub while preserving its natural allure.
Byabato’s advocacy for coffee consumption as a cultural staple and economic driver underscores a broader vision for sustainable development and community empowerment in Kagera. The BMM Kahawa Party stands testament to his dedication to fostering local entrepreneurship, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting unity among residents of Bukoba town and beyond.
