ALUMNA OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2024

• Ms. Maida Waziri Juma

  President

  The Voice of Women Entrepreneurs Tanzania (VOWET)
  and, Managing Director at Ibra Construction Limited

Maida Juma, born on May 22, 1971, in Makiungu, Singida Rural, learned the value of hard work from her parents, Waziri Juma and Halima Ndiyema. She attended St. Anthony Secondary School and later earned a Diploma in Marketing from the College of Business Education and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from the University of Dar es Salaam Business School. In 2016, she completed the Women Creating Wealth Tanzania Program at the Graça Machel Trust.

Maida began her business journey in 1991 by selling second-hand clothes. By 2000, she founded Ibra Africa Holding, which includes Ibra Enterprises, Maida Communication (Wanawake TV), East Africa College of Business, and Ibra Contractor Limited. Her contributions to affordable housing and contracting have significantly impacted Tanzania’s economy. An author of "Sauti ya Mjasiriamali: Kesho Yako Ni Uthubutu," she inspires many future entrepreneurs and writes articles on SME development for the Africa Guardian.

Maida is the President of the Voice of Women Entrepreneurs Tanzania (VOWET) and a member of the Construction Sector Skills Council of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation. She chairs Muungano Saccos and is involved with the Institute of Social Work and other community groups. Her accolades include East Africa Entrepreneur of the Year (2017) and the Best Female Owned/Managed Contracting Firm award (2011). She has been recognized by Equity Bank, the Uwezo award, and Clouds Media Group’s Malkia wa Nguvu.

A sought-after speaker, Maida has spoken at over 100 conferences worldwide. Her leadership and forward-thinking approach drive her success. She plans to expand her businesses, engage in philanthropic ventures, and advocate for policies supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth in Tanzania and beyond. Maida Juma’s story is a testament to resilience, education, and determination.