Startup Story
Parachefs Tanzania is the brainchild of entrepreneur Zena Akuwa, an impact-driven business that creates training and career opportunities for people who want to learn how to cook.
LoA learned more about the truly inspirational Zena Akuwa, a role model for disabled people who aspire to careers as chefs.
Tell us about yourself
I was born at Morogoro in a family of seven children, both parents are deceased. I was not born with a disability, but it happened during my childhood where I suffered acute malaria and fever that led to paralysis. I was educated at Salvation Army for my primary education which I completed in 2006, before joining Jangwani Girls Secondary School for my ordinary level studies which were completed in 2010. Later I joined CEFA, an Italian NGO, and a training facility for housekeeping and cookery training. It resulted in my becoming a professional chef specializing in Italian cuisine and I graduated with grade A in 2018. I also participated in various charitable work that is geared toward empowering girls and women with disabilities. In recognition of my work, I was nominated as one of 100 Tanzanian SHEROES. In 2021, I achieved another milestone when I was recognised as one of the Women in Management Africa awardees (special abilities award). Also, I was TEDx 2021 speaker in Tanzania.
“Our aim is to make Parachefs Tanzania a center for people with disabilities who want to learn cookery along with others.”
What does your company do?
We sell food and fresh seafood. We deliver door to door to our customers. Our aim is to make Parachefs Tanzania a center for people with disabilities who want to learn cookery along with others.
What inspired you to start your company?
As part of the larger community with disabilities, I underwent the challenges that others pass through in finding a decent job according to their training. This is where I discovered my calling to create Parachefs Tanzania.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Parachefs is founded and run by people with disabilities - Chefs, waiters, waitresses, all with disabilities. At Parachefs, we provide a combination of excellent food at valued pricing with fun packaging.
At Parachefs, we provide a combination of excellent food at valued pricing with fun packaging.
The road isn't smooth, but the way is always forward.
Tell us a little about your team
We are a team of very creative and happy chefs, very cooperative, and all with disabilities.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
The road isn't smooth, but the way is always forward. My journey started after completing my training at Cefa. No one wanted to hire me. I didn't have anyone to support so I had to be creative. It was then that I started to wake up early and cook fish, doing all the deliveries myself, these crutches couldn't stop me.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To expand into a number of outlets in 3 years in Zanzibar, Dodoma, Arusha with a training facility in Dar es Salaam.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is a solution for me. Simply it means I am able to create a friendly environment to do my work. Also being an entrepreneur has made me more creative.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Dear women, it is possible. Go outside, find your purpose and be creative. Never giving up is the only way to live.
Contact or follow Parachefs Tanzania
TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL akuwazenny754@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to meet women entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and barriers in their lives by building impact driven businesses. Zena Akuwa is one such inspirational woman entrepreneur. She is proof positive of what can be achieved in life and in business when you have a vision and the determination to succeed despite the difficulties encountered in life. Zena is making a difference to so many people’s lives and is a powerful role model to other entrepreneurs with disabilities who need to see that success is achievable. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa