In a country where inflation and currency volatility can make or break a small business, Tanzanian women entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules. From fashion to food, tech to trade, many women-owned businesses in Tanzania are finding new ways to grow — and one unexpected tool is helping them scale faster: saving in US dollars.
Let’s explore how Tanzanian women are using dollar savings accounts and smart financial strategies to protect profits, build resilience, and expand their businesses.
Meet Asha: From Local Fashion to Regional Orders
Asha, 33, started a small tailoring business in Dar es Salaam with two sewing machines and a dream. But frequent price hikes in fabric and the fluctuating Tanzanian shilling made it difficult to plan.
I would quote a client today, and by the time I bought materials, the prices had doubled,” she explains.
After opening a USD savings account through Tiers, Asha began storing a portion of her profits in dollars. She now plans purchases in advance using stable currency, receives remittances from her sister in Uganda directly to her dollar wallet, and confidently accepts larger orders from clients in Kenya and Rwanda.
Neema’s Homemade Foods Go Regional
Neema runs a home-based natural foods brand in Arusha, producing things like peanut butter, dried fruit snacks, and herbal teas. As demand grew — especially from tourists and eco-hotels — Neema had to deal with unstable supply prices and unreliable payment systems.
After switching to dollar invoicing for international buyers and saving her revenues in USD, she was able to:
- Avoid exchange rate losses
- Import packaging materials more easily
- Fund a new delivery motorbike without taking a loan
When I switched to dollar savings, it was like getting a business insurance policy, Neema says.
Why Dollar Savings Make a Difference
Tanzania’s shilling has remained relatively stable compared to some neighbours — but import costs, inflation, and forex shortages still affect thousands of women-led MSMEs. Saving in dollars helps them:
- Preserve the value of profits
- Plan long-term without constant price shocks
- Attract international partners and payments
- Access more affordable tools and suppliers globally
How Tiers Supports Women Entrepreneurs
Tiers gives business owners in Tanzania access to:
✅ A secure USD account for saving, sending, and receiving
✅ No hidden fees or minimum balance
✅ Peer-to-peer transfers in USD across Africa
✅ Daily interest on savings
For women building businesses in uncertain times, Tiers is more than a fintech app — it’s a growth partner.
Ready to protect your profits and grow your business?
Open your free USD account with Tiers today and join a community of women scaling smart.
Get informed on how to do more with your money.
