Gradis Komba, a 25-year-old resident of the Njombe region in the southern highlands of Tanzania, has defied the odds to provide for her family. Despite only completing her education up to standard four at Maposene Secondary school in 2009 and facing setbacks, she refused to let adversity hinder her spirit. Not being able to continue her education, Gradis channeled her energy into entrepreneurship. Identifying a need in her community, she opened an agro vet shop specializing in animal feed. This endeavor not only helped her generate a steady income but also became a convenient solution for locals who previously had to travel long distances for such products.
Her business acumen is evident in her earnings: Gradis manages to pull in a weekly profit ranging between TZS 50,000 and 60,000. With a keen eye for expansion and recognizing another opportunity, she reinvested some of her earnings into a side venture of raising local chickens. This decision proved fruitful as she garnered a profit of TZS 760,000 in just three months.
Reflecting on her journey, Gradis shares, “I recognized the business opportunity when I saw community members traveling great distances to access these products.” Her story stands as a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community observation.
