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

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.