By Adonis Byemelwa
In the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, amidst the vibrant celebrations of the Beijing Declaration's 30th Anniversary, a remarkable milestone in entrepreneurship was marked.
Ms. Zainab Ansell, the dynamic Founder and Director of ZARA Tanzania Adventures, was honored with the esteemed Top Women Excellence Award 2025 by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC).
This accolade highlights her outstanding achievements and pioneering leadership in the tourism industry.
Ms. Zainab Ansell stands as a trailblazer in her field, exemplifying a blend of visionary business acumen and a steadfast commitment to social change.
Her inspiring journey—spanning over three decades—goes beyond business triumphs.
From her beginnings with Air Tanzania, where she honed her skills for eight years, Ms. Zainab went on to launch ZARA Tanzania Adventures in 1987.
Today, ZARA is celebrated as a premier outfitter, known for its Mount Kilimanjaro climbs and exceptional safaris.
It proudly operates nine properties, employs over 1,410 staff members, and supports thousands of Tanzanian families.
A defining attribute of Ms. Zainab’s leadership is her unwavering dedication to community development. Through the Zara Charity, she champions a spectrum of impactful social initiatives.
These include supporting Maasai schools in Ngorongoro, providing vocational training for Maasai women in beadwork, offering health insurance and essential training for 900 porters, and leading environmental efforts like tree planting campaigns and the removal of seven tonnes of plastic from the Indian Ocean.
Her influence extends beyond her entrepreneurial achievements. Ms. Zainab has cultivated opportunities for women in an industry where they comprise less than 1% of leaders, thus blazing a trail for future generations.
"Through her unwavering commitment to empowering women, Ms. Zainab continues to inspire a new generation to break barriers and shape the future of business in Tanzania and beyond," affirmed TWCC in a proud declaration.
Integral to her company's ethos is the principle of giving back, evidenced by donating 15% of profits to Zara Charity. Her philanthropic endeavors are driven by a singular belief: "If you want to help people fight poverty, give them education."
This conviction underscores every strategic initiative and empowers communities to break free from the shackles of poverty through knowledge and opportunity.
As Ms. Zainab gracefully accepted the Top Women Excellence Award, she expressed gratitude to her dedicated ZARA team, global travel partners, and each adventurer who trusted their dreams with ZARA Tanzania Adventures. Her success story, marked by entrepreneurship, empowerment, and altruism, shines brightly as a beacon of hope and inspiration for not only Tanzania but for aspiring entrepreneurs around the globe.