Robert Nyirenda is one Tanzanian entrepreneur who knows how important it is to invest in business. He's now the managing director of Nyirefami Limited, which employs 28 people in a flour milling and processing plant. The man they call Uncle Robert started out packaging table salt in his front room in 1982. He invested his money in a milling machine in the late 80s.

He says: “We now mill all sorts, including the pearl millet which is high in nutrition and very good for nursing mothers. To be a success you must have something in your heart which loves your business. I tell young people – it can be done! When we started this business we took small steps, like a child. Now we are ready to grow.”

By teaming up with Equity for Tanzania (EFTA) and AgDevCo, the UK is helping small businesses like his to invest in the machinery they need – providing equipment as a loan to pay back as profits increase.

The initiative is part of a wider drive by the UK to promote business partnerships that can help build prosperity. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-promotes-business-links-in-...