Paje, Unguja. On the eastern shores of Zanzibar, in the village of Paje, two young graduates have turned their passion and determination into a thriving agribusiness.
With the support of the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), Ismail Yusuph Maslim and Kamal Haji Simba established the TB Farm Partnership, a modern farming venture that now supplies fresh vegetables and fruits to some of the island’s most hotels.
From classroom to farm fields
Kamal, a graduate in Civil Engineering, and Ismail, a Meteorology expert, both made an unusual choice after completing their studies. Instead of seeking office jobs, they decided to pursue agribusiness.
In 2019, they established a 12-acre farm in Paje, growing tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, watermelons, and papayas.
With a vision that went beyond farming for their own benefit, the two began buying produce from smallholder farmers in nearby villages, creating a bridge between rural growers and the high-end hospitality sector.
Boost from TADB and impact
The big transformation came when the TADB stepped in to support their dream. Through affordable loans and technical guidance, the bank helped them expand their operations.
They acquired better farming inputs, established reliable irrigation by drilling a borehole, and built a modern storage facility to keep harvested produce fresh before delivery.
These investments enabled them to secure contracts with at least ten major hotels in Zanzibar, cementing TB Farm’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality produce.
The ripple effects of this initiative are felt across Paje and beyond. The farm has created jobs for local youth and women, who work in planting, harvesting, packaging, and distribution.
By selling to hotels directly, income remains within the island’s economy, strengthening household livelihoods and reducing reliance on imports. TB Farm has also become a hub for smallholder farmers, ensuring they benefit from stable markets and fair prices for their produce.
Linking agriculture and tourism
One of the most significant achievements of TB Farm is its role in connecting agriculture to the tourism sector.
Instead of importing fresh food from outside the islands, hotels now source directly from local farmers, a shift that not only boosts the local economy but also highlights Zanzibar’s capacity to sustain its hospitality industry.
The project demonstrates how agriculture, often overlooked by young people, can align with other sectors to create sustainable value chains.
The success of TB Farm also aligns with the government’s broader vision of empowering young people through access to capital, knowledge, and markets.
With TADB’s support, Ismail and Kamal have shown that agriculture can be as profitable and respected as other professions. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration between financial institutions, government initiatives, and youthful ambition.
Farming as a golden opportunity
For the two entrepreneurs, every harvest is not just a business achievement but also proof that agriculture has the potential to transform lives. Their journey illustrates that when young people are given the right support, they can move from job seekers to job creators.
“Farming is not a burden it is a golden opportunity for today’s youth,” they say, echoing the message that agriculture can be a driving force in building Zanzibar’s competitive and knowledge-driven economy.
