The Restoration Factory: Accelerating Green Businesses for a Healthier Planet
The Restoration Factory, developed by the United Nations Environment Program – Financial Initiative (UNEP – FI) is a business incubation program being implemented by the Vice President’s Office of Tanzania, with technical support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Tanzania. The program has been conducted in partnership with Bridge for Billions, who provided the incubation methodology, and Anza Entrepreneurs supporting local mentoring. Part of the global initiative The Restoration Initiative (TRI), this one-year program was designed to support early-stage Tanzanian enterprises focused on forest restoration, land conservation, and climate-resilient business models.
Following a structured 8-module incubation journey that is based on Bridge for Billions’ innovation-based entrepreneurship methodology, participants received intensive technical and mentorship support to transform raw ideas into viable and scalable business models. From market research and business planning to social impact design and environmental integration, each entrepreneur was supported through mentorship, expert guidance, and in-person events to tailor solutions that are both commercially viable and ecologically regenerative. A total of 31 eco-preneurs who graduated from the incubation programme have been awarded certificates and the top-performers will receive an incentive grant by the Project.
The graduation signalled a launchpad for change
The program culminated in a high-profile graduation and pitching event, where the 31 entrepreneurs who graduated from the programme showcased their ventures to a panel of experts and practitioners. The pitching session was evaluated on five key areas: business and market potential, environmental and social impact, innovation, and team strength.
Five businesses stood out and will be awarded a cash prize each, as they take home top recognition. Out of the five, three enterprises were offered an opportunity to showcase their products at the WED national exhibitions. This opportunity has been another chance to further validated the enterprises’ growth and feasibility for business acceleration.
Restoration entrepreneurs shining at the at the WED 2025
During the national World Environment Day celebrations in Dodoma, three entrepreneurs—Dream Bees Africa, Nishati Eco, and Patra Agroprocessing proudly represented the Restoration Factory program as exhibitors.
Their presence drew significant public attention and culminated in a high-profile visit from the Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, who offered commendations and concrete directives to support the growth and scaling of their ventures.
Annet Mutembei, Founder of Nishati Eco, showcased her clean-energy solution: eco-friendly briquettes made from agricultural waste. The Vice President was impressed and directed government stakeholders to provide her with land for scaling up production, facilitate access to equipment and funding, and support youth-led entrepreneurship more broadly. Annet’s Nishati Eco sold a total of 128 bags of briquettes, generating TZS 925,000 in revenue while also gaining exposure propelling her newly founded NGO of Nishati Eco Foundation into national conversations on clean cooking.
On her reflection from the exhibition, Annet applauds the efforts from the restoration factory program in Tanzania, and emphasizes “the platforms enabled by this program are crucial to bringing innovative solutions to light and amplify the restoration efforts done even by small actors” She also added that “having a prominent figure visiting and commenting on the impact of my initiative is a significant moment of endorsement that what we are doing is essential and impactful for the environment”
Goodluck Kapinga of Dream Bees Africa showcased honey, beeswax, and modern beekeeping equipment, securing orders worth over TZS 10.5 million. The Vice President encouraged the expansion of the product line to include bee venom and pollen, underlining the economic potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Dream Bees Africa had earlier been recognized as one of the top five ventures during the program’s pitch event, and their WED performance only solidified their growing impact.
Cleopatra Limandora from Patra Agroprocessing brought banana and carrot wines, banana clips, and processed onions to the event. Her entire stock sold out, earning her TZS 2.55 million in sales. Dr. Mpango directed that her products receive support toward certification by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), which is crucial next step toward market expansion and consumer trust. Cleopatra remarked the encounter as “changemaking, rewarding and overwhelming.”
A Glimpse into the Future
The success of these three eco-entrepreneurs at a high-level national event illustrates more than individual achievement—it showcases the transformative potential of the Restoration Factory Program in Tanzania. By bridging policy, entrepreneurship, and environmental restoration, the program is laying the foundation for a green economy led by youth and rooted in sustainability. With strong backing from government and partners, this initiative offers a compelling model for how climate-smart enterprise can become a central pillar in national development.
Programme partners, led by the Vice President’s Office and IUCN, are exploring current and emerging opportunities for transitioning to the acceleration phase to realize the potential and impact of these eco-ventures. Round table discussions will be organized with industrialists, funders and investors to unlock financing and investments for these ventures.
The Restoration Factory is not just an incubation program—it’s a launchpad for Tanzania’s next generation of restoration champions. Read more about the restoration factory program here to stay updated with latest updates.