CAMFED Annual Review 2024
In 2024, 738,673 girls in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe newly benefited from economic, social and academic support from CAMFED.
Youth researchers in Tanzania and Zimbabwe take the lead in livelihoods research
Six graduates in the CAMFED Association of women leaders educated with CAMFED support in Tanzania and Zimbabwe are leading research into how young women build thriving enterprises.
Following a rigorous selection process, they recently participated in a week-long Youth Researchers Academy in Harare to hone their expertise for qualitative and quantitative research methods. The Academy was delivered by the Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe, as part of a research collaboration between CAMFED, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute, EDI Global, and the Ifakara Health Institute — made possible by the Mastercard Foundation.
I am so happy that this opportunity is giving us a platform to learn more about our fellow young people. Having peers asking them about their experiences and lives allows them to feel freer to share.Isabel, Youth Researcher and CAMFED Association member, Zimbabwe
Research designed and led by young people in Africa
The Youth Researchers Academy gave the opportunity for young women to define the research questions they wanted to address and design the research methods. Over the coming year, they will conduct studies into the opportunities and challenges for young women entrepreneurs and will receive ongoing mentoring and support.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of CAMFED, Mastercard Foundation, and all our research partners to co-creating solutions with and for the young people we serve. Specifically, it will examine what works to support young women to transition to dignified and fulfilling work after completing school — helping us to better address the urgent need for employment opportunities across Africa, particularly by championing rural businesses.
This training will change my career and also change the lives of others in the community… economically and socially, and in terms of education and leadership.Amina, Youth Researcher and CAMFED Association member, Tanzania
The Youth Researchers Academy is situated within a wider study to examine the impact and cost-benefit of CAMFED’s Enterprise programs on young women’s economic activity, health and wellbeing in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The first phase of the research, conducted in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, calculated a return on investment of 1:7 and involved participatory workshops with CAMFED Association members to co-design the current evaluation.
Tanzania: Young women’s research priorities
The study led by Amina, Mwanaisha, and Rehema aims to evaluate the impact of CAMFED Tanzania loans and grants on the financial growth of businesses run by young women aged 18-28, while exploring the persistent barriers to business expansion in three districts. By using both quantitative and qualitative methods, they will provide measurable outcomes and deep insights into the lived experiences of young women entrepreneurs.
The study ultimately seeks to promote inclusive economic development and sustainable job opportunities for young women in Tanzania.
In Zimbabwe we will have one mentor and in Tanzania there will be a separate mentor, [who] will meet with the youth researchers at least every month… to talk through the research process and the analysis of the results [ahead of them being] presented.Constance Mackworth-Young, Assistant Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research and Training Institute
Zimbabwe: Young women’s research priorities
The study led by Isabel, Kathuba, and Zangelo seeks to explore the influence of CAMFED’s Enterprise programs on income generation and wellbeing in two Zimbabwean districts. Utilising a qualitative research approach, the young women are working to understand the experiences and perceptions of CAMFED Association ‘Guides’ (business mentors) and the impact of loans and grants on individuals’ lives.
Through careful attention to ethical considerations and a clear dissemination plan, their research aims to not only generate meaningful data — to enhance CAMFED programs — but also to ensure that it benefits the communities involved.
These CAMFED Association members are going to be mentors for all CAMFED Association members. After being trained to be youth researchers they are going to be a resource team for CAMFED in different research projects and surveys. This is a great new opportunity for us!Daudi Daudi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, CAMFED Tanzania
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