DAR ES SALAAM: THE Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, has called on the College of Business Education (CBE) to develop strategies to help formalize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without disrupting their operations.
Speaking during his visit to the college in Dar es Salaam, Londo said that when he was sworn in at Dodoma, Samia Suluhu Hassan directed him to oversee the formalization of entrepreneurs’ businesses as one of his key responsibilities.
“We must find a way to formalize them without disturbing them. We must educate them so they do not see formalization as a strategy to make them pay taxes. They need to move away from that mindset and understand that formalization helps increase productivity in their businesses,” he said.
He emphasized that traders, particularly small-scale entrepreneurs, should recognize that formalization can enable them to expand production, access both local and international markets more easily, and ultimately increase their income.
The Deputy Minister also praised CBE for increasing its academic publications, noting that research output enhances the institution’s national and international standing.
“The college’s strength lies in its academics, conducting extensive research that addresses societal challenges and producing numerous scholarly publications. In this area, CBE is performing very well.
Congratulations on that achievement,” he said.
He further commended the college for strengthening partnerships with universities worldwide, which have enabled students to pursue studies locally and abroad.
CBE Rector, Edda Lwoga, expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and vision, which she said has contributed to increased enrollment and improved academic quality at the institution.
Prof. Lwoga noted that student enrollment has grown significantly—from 10,000 in 2020 to 24,657 in 2025, representing a 135 percent increase.
She also announced that the college has received accreditation to introduce apprenticeship programs. Under the new arrangement, students will spend half of their study time at the college and the other half gaining practical experience with employers.
Additionally, CBE plans to launch a digital marketing program aimed at equipping students with modern marketing skills. The institution has also introduced online Master’s degree programs, allowing students to pursue their studies from anywhere in the country without being physically present on campus.
“We are grateful for the Deputy Minister’s visit to witness the major transformations at the college, including its internationalization. Some students can now study for two years here and complete their studies in countries such as China,” she said.
Prof Lwoga added that the college will undertake research to determine the most effective ways to support the formalization of small businesses, following the Deputy Minister’s directive.