COMFAR training in Zanzibar successfully conducted with local trainers following COVID-19 health and safety measures

The Zanzibar Small and Medium Industries Development Authority (SMIDA) and the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (ZNCCIA) were supported by UNIDO to organize a two-weeks training on Industrial Project Preparation and Appraisal using UNIDO’s flagship software – Computer Model for Feasibility Analysis and Reporting (COMFAR III Expert). The training took place in ZNCCIA’s facilities from 30 March to 10 April 2020 and served to further increase capacity of SMIDA, ZNCCIA and other institutions for the preparation and evaluation of investment project proposals. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis also affecting Tanzania, the training had to be modified on short notice to comply with newly introduced health and safety regulations. That the training took place under these difficult conditions demonstrates the resolve and flexibility of both SMIDA and ZNCCIA.

The training is a result of UNIDO’s efforts to strengthen the capacities of investment promotion agencies in Tanzania under the Programme for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (PISID), which has since 2019 rolled out a systematic implementation approach towards building a pool of local COMFAR trainers. Indeed, during this time of crisis, where no international trainer could be deployed, the training was organized and conducted by certified local trainers, both staff of SMIDA and ZNCCIA, showing that the project’s capacity building approach also proved valid under exceptional circumstances. SMIDA now intends to reach out to its clientele and to assist SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis and which are in urgent need of business plans for access to much needed finance.

For more information, please contact Stefan Kratzsch: s.kratzsch [at] unido.org (s[dot]kratzsch[at]unido[dot]org)