Arif Shivji in Tanzania
CSDI & Tanzanian Business
1. Please describe what CSDI does and how it is set up?
Centre for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CSDI) is a not-for-profit company that provides development services for grassroots groups. CSDI is managed by professionals who specialize in consultancy services, market linkages, counseling, legal services, financial intermediation, and project management.
In spite of the difficult economic environment in Tanzania, many successful initiatives, including CSDI, are tackling the problem of poverty on a significant scale. An integrated, multi-faceted approach, which involves public, private and civic partnerships, is required to break the vicious cycle of poverty. The focus of CSDI is to develop the grassroots ventures into sustainable entities in their community, through such as process development and management training.
2. What is CSDI doing well?
CSDI has the experience level that cannot be matched by any other local organization. It has ability to implement programs to help grassroots ventures. A major output of this organization is the business plan based on market and operational capabilities, which is required for ADF funding. The diverse industry knowledge is a major strength of this organization, which includes agriculture, manufacturing, and micro-finance institutions, which are similar to small-scale banks.
3. Where could CSDI improve?
An area that CSDI can improve is in the computer abilities of the staff. Given that the work environment is very busy, this limits the resources and time available to do training.
Per discussion with the management, they agree that this is an area needing development and where MBAWB would be able to help. I conducted individual training sessions and prepared manuals to use software (MS Office) to be used as tool for the future.
4. What are some aspects of the local cultural and business that should be understood when foreigners consider doing business in Tanzania?
The infrastructure has become a major problem when doing business in this country. The power supply is extremely volatile and unreliable. This affects the ability to operate any business efficiently, not to mention the negative impact on personal quality of life. Compared to the other African nations, Tanzania is not prime choice due this problem, not to mention the higher cost of the electricity.
5. Are there opportunities in this field for local entrepreneur?
Most definitely, Tanzania has many opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The problem is that the access to capital makes it difficult for start up ventures. This has been reason for rising popularity for micro-finance institutions.
6. What were the direct and indirect results/deliverables as a result of your placement? Please be as specific as possible.
1. Development of website for organization (www.csdi-tz.org)
2. Conversion to computerized loan tracking system for micro finance organization in Zanzibar;
3. Staff members having understanding of financial modelling for preparing business plans
Arif Shivji’s Experience
1. Originally, why did you want to participate in this program?
Throughout my MBA program, I would preach about the personal satisfaction obtained from doing voluntary activities. When I cam upon this opportunity, it was a way to “put my money where my mouth is”. This was not an easy decision considering the financial cost (lost wages) and employment gap, but I felt that it was important enough to do.
2. What were your main challenges, both personally and professionally?
Personal challenges – culture shock was definitely the issue that I had to deal with when arriving in Tanzania. The streets are filled with cars that overtake onto incoming lanes, people ride on the back of trucks and citizens walk on the road. In addition, the sanitation level of the restaurants and businesses is not as high as in Canada. This was difficult at first, but became accustomed to it after a couple of weeks. The pre-departure course put on by the government (Centre for Intercultural Learning) was very valuable to help with this transition.
Professionally – I believe that the CSDI staff is as qualified as any other people that I have worked with in my life. They were eager to learn about the topics that I was sharing and had knowledge about best business practices used in the world. The main drawback was the power outages, which I was not prepared for. It made it difficult to stay productive when no electricity for the air conditioner or laptop. This was an ideal opportunity to work in a consulting environment with an unstructured task.
3. What did you feel you were able to offer to CSDI?
I was able to help with the use of the computer applications because CSDI was very dependant on its ability to complete work efficiently. The training on financial analysis would allow the staff to discuss issues that would improve the quality of the business plans produced by the organization.
a. How was this different from what you thought you would be offering before you arrived?
After recently finishing my MBA program at Ivey, I thought I would be helping with management skills and sharing concepts that I had learned. CSDI staff is well educated (degrees from America & Europe and professional designations). They understand the necessary components make a business operate well, which includes the marketing, finance and human resources.
4. What would have made this experience even better for you?
Initially, I should have spent several hours exploring the area where I lived. Dar es Salaam has all the services and products available in Canada. The task is to find out where to find them. Knowing where the popular restaurants, shopping areas and health facilities are would have been beneficial to speed up the adjustment period.
5. What advice would you like to offer future MBAs who work abroad for MBAs without Borders?
Communication is important with everyone. The MBA should keep in touch with the MBAWB founders and with the local organization. This will ensure that expectations are well understood and any issues resolved. This is great experience, so enjoy what the new culture has to offer.