MIAF and Busara Promotions partner to extend Gender@Work into East Africa

Launched by MIAF in 2019, Gender@Work is a continental training programme dedicated exclusively to upskilling women working, or aspiring to work, in the music industry. Since its inception, the programme has trained more than 80 women from over 20 countries in music business and event production, facilitated work placements, and supported meaningful exchange among women across the African music ecosystem.

The new partnership will enable Busara Promotions to amplify the programme’s impact operating under the banner Gender@Work Tanzania. The initiative will begin with a cohort of 20 female creatives enrolled in a structured training programme focused on strengthening the participation, skills, and visibility of women and gender-diverse professionals in the Tanzanian music industry.

“This expansion is not only about access to training, but about shifting long-standing barriers in the music ecosystem,” said MIAF Projects Manager Violet Maila. “By working with Busara, we are creating meaningful pathways for more women to enter and advance in technical and leadership roles in East Africa. We hope this work inspires other organisations to recognise its importance and partner with us to address gender disparity in our industry.”

Sauti za Busara Festival Director Journey Ramadhan said: “We are delighted to deliver this programme in partnership with Music In Africa. Gender@Work is more than a training initiative; it reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities and empowering more women to build meaningful careers in music and live events, and to participate fully in the regional music ecosystem.”

A key cultural player in the African music ecosystem, Busara Promotions has long supported female artists through its Amplifying Women’s Voices initiative, which has been run concurrently with the Sauti za Busara Festival – one of the continent’s biggest music festivals.

Call for applications

African female creatives with an interest in music and live events are invited to apply for the Gender@Work Tanzania training programme.

The programme is open to women from across the continent, provided they can cover their own transport to Zanzibar. The organisers will cover accommodation, a meal allowance, and all training materials. Over the two-year programme period, a total of 20 participants will be supported, with 10 selected each year.

The deadline for applications is 20 December 2025.

Visit the official applications page here to apply.