Zainab Ansell honored for transforming Tanzania’s tourism industry

Dar es Salaam. Renowned entrepreneur and tourism pioneer Zainab Ansell has been honored with the prestigious Top Women Excellence Award 2025 by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC).

The award ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam on March 26, 2025, marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, celebrating women’s contributions to economic and social development.

“This award recognizes Ms Ansell’s exceptional achievements in a traditionally male-dominated, multi-billion-dollar tourism industry. It also celebrates her innovative spirit, resilience, and dedication to transformative entrepreneurship in Tanzania,” TWCC stated in statement.

As the Director of ZARA Tanzania Adventures and Tanzania Wild Camps, and the Founder of Zara Charity, she has played a crucial role in transforming Tanzania’s tourism sector.

Through her unwavering commitment to empowering women, she continues to inspire a new generation to break barriers and shape the future of business in Tanzania and beyond.

Zainab is among the few women in East Africa to own and lead a tour company in an industry where female entrepreneurs represent less than one percent.

Her journey—from working with Air Tanzania Corporation for eight years to launching ZARA Tanzania Adventures in 1987—has become a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide.

Her company, ZARA Tanzania Adventures, is known for organizing Mount Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and luxury accommodations, attracting visitors from around the world. Tanzania Wild Camps offers high-end lodges and camps across major wildlife destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Beyond business, Ms Ansell’s commitment to social impact is evident through Zara Charity, which focuses on women’s empowerment, children’s education and healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Her initiatives support Moshi Kids Centre and Ngorongoro Maasai Pre-School, while her conservation efforts include tree planting, ocean cleanups, and mountain preservation programs.

Additionally, she has significantly improved the welfare of over 900 insured and trained mountain porters through the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS).

Winning the Top Women Excellence Award 2025 further solidifies Zainab’s status as a trailblazer in the tourism industry.

She continues to inspire women across Africa, proving that success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

“If you want to help people fight poverty, give them education,” Ms Ansell stated, emphasizing her belief in empowerment through knowledge.

Through her work, Ms Ansell is not only redefining tourism in Tanzania but also creating a lasting impact on communities, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.