🌍 From Paris to Tanga: A Passion for Community-Driven Change
Morgan Egerton, a French-born program manager with a deep commitment to transformative development, is making waves in Tanga, Tanzania — quite literally.
Driven by a belief in community-driven change, Morgan has become a key force behind the MAWIMBI Project , a groundbreaking initiative led by INNCO to strengthen Tanga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His mission? To empower local organizations and young entrepreneurs to drive sustainable impact in their communities.
“I grew up in Paris, and while my roots are far from here, I’ve always been inspired by the potential of community-driven change,” Morgan reflects. “With MAWIMBI, our goal is to create sustainable impact by empowering Tanga’s emerging entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them.”
💧 The Birth of MAWIMBI: A New Wave of Opportunity
Launched in 2023, the MAWIMBI Project (from the Swahili word “Mawimbi” , meaning “waves”) symbolizes the ripple effect of opportunity it aims to create across Tanga.
Rooted in collaboration, the project works hand-in-hand with local civil society organizations already engaged with youth and entrepreneurs. By building on the work of groups like Project Inspire, TOYO, and TAYOTA , MAWIMBI enhances existing efforts rather than duplicating them.
“These organizations know the community intimately and are essential to the ecosystem we’re building,” Morgan shares. “Our role is to enhance what they’re already doing by helping them scale, refine their strategies, and work more collaboratively.”
🔧 Building Capacity from the Ground Up
At the core of MAWIMBI’s strategy is capacity building — because sustainable change starts with strong foundations.
In early 2024, MAWIMBI launched its first capacity-building program, bringing together 10 local organizations over four months for hands-on training in strategic communication, fundraising, and income generation.
“Capacity building is critical,” Morgan explains. “Before organizations can effectively support entrepreneurs, they need a strong internal foundation. It’s like building a house — you need a solid base before you can put up the walls.”
The results have been promising. Participants have grown more confident, operational structures have improved, and there’s a renewed sense of purpose and resilience among these organizations.
“We’re seeing these organizations become more structured, more resilient, and more focused on impact,” Morgan notes proudly.
🎯 Fostering Innovation: Hackathons & Incubation Training
One of MAWIMBI’s most exciting innovations is its entrepreneurship hackathon , designed to identify and train future incubation managers in Tanga.
Over three days, participants from local organizations competed to design incubation programs tailored to Tanga’s unique needs, guided by expert mentors.
“This was one of the most exciting parts of the project so far,” Morgan shares. “We invited organizations to send candidates, and the energy was incredible.”
Three finalists emerged with innovative models, and one winner will receive nine months of specialized training to develop their incubation skills and support other entrepreneurs in the region.
“The candidates were exceptional. They are proof that Tanga has the talent and dedication to support a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
🚀 Expanding Impact: A Program for Local Entrepreneurs (2025)
In January 2025, MAWIMBI enters its final phase: a seven-month program targeting local entrepreneurs who are already running businesses.
Rather than focusing on startup basics, this program aims to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably , with a focus on marketing, fundraising, and business development.
“We want these entrepreneurs to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that’s adaptable, strategic, and resilient,” Morgan says. “They’ll leave this program not only with stronger businesses but with the skills to face future challenges and grow independently.”
The program will prioritize businesses already in operation, helping them build sustainable revenue streams and increase market presence.
📈 Vision for Long-Term Change: Tanga’s Bright Future
As MAWIMBI approaches its conclusion in mid-2025, Morgan remains optimistic about the long-term impact of the project.
“Our mission is to catalyze change, but it’s the people of Tanga who will carry this forward,” he says. “There’s a deep-rooted hunger for growth and innovation in this community.”
Success, for Morgan, isn’t just measured in numbers — it’s in the resilience of Tanga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem , where entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and leaders collaborate to build a brighter future.
“We want to see a self-sustaining community that collaborates, innovates, and grows together,” Morgan concludes. “The power is in the hands of Tanga’s people, and I have no doubt they will take this further than we can imagine.”
✨ Final Thoughts
After a year of dedicated effort, MAWIMBI has already made a significant impact in Tanga. With leaders like Morgan Egerton guiding the way, the city is well on its way to becoming a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship .
“The real impact of MAWIMBI will be felt in the stories, successes, and resilience of the people we empower.”