Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)

View Issue TOC

Towards an Afrocentric Theoretical Framework for Women's Business Leadership in Tanzania

Fatuma Rajabu, University of Dar es Salaam Tina Heath, Department of Research, University of Dar es Salaam
Published: January 21, 2026

Abstract

This article addresses a critical gap in leadership scholarship, where the uncritical application of Western-centric models to African contexts obscures the unique experiences and contributions of Tanzanian women business leaders. It argues that a culturally resonant theoretical framework is essential for rigorous analysis and effective leadership development. The methodology employs a critical synthesis of literature on African feminisms, notably Womanism and Motherism, integrated with indigenous Tanzanian concepts of communal ethos (Ujamaa) and collective responsibility (Ujima). This theoretical synthesis is rigorously examined alongside contemporary business practices, analysed from case studies and industry reports published between 2025 and 2026. The article’s central contention is for a coherent Afrocentric framework that conceptualises Tanzanian women’s leadership as inherently relational, contextually embedded, and oriented towards communal prosperity rather than individualistic success. It theorises leadership as a practice of ‘serving within the community’, dynamically negotiating traditional values with modern entrepreneurial demands. The significance of this proposed framework lies in its capacity to decolonise leadership studies, providing a more authentic and rigorous lens for research, policy, and practice. It establishes a foundational theory for future empirical studies and cultivates leadership programmes that are culturally congruent, ultimately aiming to enhance the visibility, support, and sustainable impact of women’s business leadership in Tanzania and analogous contexts.

Full Text:

PDF (English (United Kingdom)) HTML (English (United Kingdom))

Read the Full Article

The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.

Open HTML Open PDF

How to Cite

Fatuma Rajabu, Tina Heath (2026). Towards an Afrocentric Theoretical Framework for Women's Business Leadership in Tanzania. African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025), 3-18.
EndNote (RIS) BibTeX

Keywords

Afrocentric leadershipwomen's entrepreneurshipTanzaniaindigenous knowledge systemspostcolonial theoryAfrican feminismcontextualised leadership

Research Snapshot

Desktop reading view
Language
EN
Formats
HTML + PDF
Publication Track
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)
Current Journal
African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance

References

  • Abogunrin-Olafisoye, O.B., & Adeyi, O. (2025). Environmental and health impacts of unsustainable waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling practices in Nigeria's informal sector. Discover Chemistry.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44371-024-00075-x
  • Adesogan, A., Gebremikael, M.B., Varijakshapanicker, P., & Vyas, D. (2025). Climate-smart approaches for enhancing livestock productivity, human nutrition, and livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries. Animal Production Science. https://doi.org/10.1071/an24215
  • Bhanye, J. (2025). A review study on community-based flood adaptation in informal settlements in the Global South. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01449-6
  • D’Orazio, P., & Pham, A. (2025). Evaluating climate-related financial policies’ impact on decarbonization with machine learning methods. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85127-7
  • Ittersum, M.V., Alimagham, S., Silva, ‪.V., Adjei-Nsiah, S., Baijukya, F., Bala, A., Chikowo, R., Grassini, P., Groot, H.D., Nshizirungu, A., Soulé, A.M., Sulser, T.B., Taulya, G., Tenorio, F.A., Tesfaye, K., Yuan, S., & Loon, M.P.V. (2025). Prospects for cereal self-sufficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2423669122
  • Jangid, H., Bal, D.P., & Rao, N.V.M. (2025). Role of FinTech and technological innovation towards energy, growth, and environment nexus in G20 economies. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02794-2
  • Kansheba, J.M., Marobhe, M.I., Fubah, C.N., & Solano, C. (2025). Crossing the Chasm: A Review and Future Agenda on the Fintech-Based Financial Inclusion in Africa. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2591971
  • Kusi, B.A., Luh, P.K., Agbloyor, E.K., & Asongu, S.A. (2025). Bank Credit Risk and Profitability: The Role of Intellectual Capital Efficiency in an Emerging Economy in Africa. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2534256
  • Legman, I.-. (2026). Foreign Direct Investment in Africa. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94518-2_15
  • Leyaro, V., & Joseph, C. (2026). Employment Mobility and Returns to Technical and Vocational Training: Empirical Evidence for Tanzania. Journal of African Development. https://doi.org/10.5325/jafrideve.27.1.0028
  • Lopez, T., Álvarez, C., & Urbano, D. (2025). Understanding institutional dimensions in high-impact female entrepreneurship. Review of Managerial Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-025-00892-z
  • Malima, G.C. (2025). Adoption of electric cars in sub-Saharan Africa: Understanding consumers' choice behaviour in urban Tanzania. Research in Transportation Business & Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2025.101437
  • Mede, N.G., Cologna, V., Berger, S., Besley, J.C., Brick, C., Joubert, M., Maibach, E., Mihelj, S., Орескес, Н., Schäfer, M.S., Linden, S.V.D., Aziz, N.I.A., Abdulsalam, S.O., Shamsi, N.A., Aczél, B., Adinugroho, I., Alabrese, E., Aldoh, A., Alfano, M., & Ali, I.M. (2025). Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries – the TISP dataset. Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04100-7
  • Methlouthi, K. (2025). Determinants of Metaverse Classroom Adoption: Insights from an African Country. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2460287
  • Mizik, T., Nagy, J., Molnár, E.M., & Maró, Z.M. (2025). Challenges of employment in the agrifood sector of developing countries—a systematic literature review. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04308-3
  • Mlipha, S.S.B., & Kalaba, M. (2025). Quantifying Risk in the South African Customs Union. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2465121
  • Monageng, N. (2026). Encouraging tax compliance of small business owners in South Africa through nudging. South African Journal of Accounting Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/10291954.2025.2596453
  • Ngilisho, M., Mori, N., & Kitindi, E. (2025). The Effect of Company Goals on the Relationship between Foreign Ownership and Financial Performance of Listed Companies in Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2604920
  • Ngongolo, K., Gayo, L., Mmbaga, N., & Chota, A. (2025). Prevalence and risk factors of Echinococcus granulosus in small ruminants in East Africa with implications for livestock management and public health: a scoping review. Discover Animals. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338-024-00043-w
  • Ngulube, P. (2025). Leveraging information and communication technologies for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa. Discover Environment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-025-00190-1
  • Noah, A.O. (2025). Entrepreneurship and Financial Development in Africa: The Role of Institutional Quality. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-77363-1_6
  • Palombo, D., & Wodajo, K. (2025). Cross-cultural Perspectives on Business and Human Rights: Insights from African Perspective. Handbook on Business, Human Rights, and the Environment in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03261-4_18
  • Peters, J., & Schmidt, C.Μ. (2025). Rural electrification, the credibility revolution, and the limits of evidence-based policy. Environment and Development Economics. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355770x24000263
  • Rawat, P.S. (2026). Editorial. Business Perspectives and Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/22785337251414741
  • Serpente, G., Bolzani, D., & Grimaldi, R. (2025). Entrepreneurial support organizations as providers of entrepreneurial education and training. The Journal of Technology Transfer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-024-10177-4
  • Tambol, T., Derbile, E.K., & Soulé, M. (2025). Use of climate smart agriculture technologies in West Africa peri-urban Sahel in Niger. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82813-w
  • Testa, F., Tosi, D., Tessitore, S., Todaro, N.M., & Iorio, V.D. (2025). Untangling Companies' Engagement With Biodiversity: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda. Business Strategy and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.4324
  • Theobald Kessy, A. (2025). Discourses on Governance in Public Procurement in Tanzania: Indigenous Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94410-9_8