THE BOARD CHAIR STATEMENT:
As Chair of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa I am delighted to share the organisation’s annual report for 2022. This report details many of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa’s vital achievements throughout the year, in the face of on-going macroeconomic headwinds such as the conflict in Ukraine and its devastating impact on the cost of living worldwide. On behalf of the organisation, I would like to express our deep gratitude to our partners and funders for supporting our members across Kenya and Tanzania.
Some notable milestones Hand in Hand Eastern Africa has reached this year include:
- Strengthening the business and financial skills of over 22,000 aspiring entrepreneurs across Kenya, enabling them to start or expand their businesses and ensure a sustainable livelihood.
- Supporting 1,600 established entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses in and around Nairobi, achieving an income uplift of 95% ($192) per month on average. Learning from an initial pilot is now being scaled up across the city.
- Reaching 5,500 entrepreneurs in Northern Tanzania, and supporting female entrepreneurs in particular to challenge social norms holding back their business growth and boosting their autonomy to make decisions.
- Launching an organisational strategy around regenerative agriculture and circular economies, which will support Hand in Hand members not only to build their resilience against climate change but to actively combat its effects on their farms and local landscapes, ensuring their incomes for the future.
This was the final year of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa’s current strategic plan. As it drew to a close we embarked on planning for the next five years, and are due to launch a new, ambitious strategic plan early in 2023. As an organisation, Hand in Hand Eastern Africa remains resolute in its ambition to achieve systemic change and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We will continue to innovate, adapt, and collaborate for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future. I extend heartfelt appreciation to our staff and our many partners.
Together, we are helping to transform lives and shape a brighter tomorrow.
