College: The London School of Economics and Political Science; University of Waterloo
Occupation: Co-founder and Managing Director Kazi Yetu
Current City: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
For Tahira Nizari, the path from her early days at the American School of Dubai to empowering women’s economic development in Tanzania has been marked by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change. A proud alumna of the Class of 2006, Tahira reflects on how her years at ASD helped shape the values and principles she carries into her work today.
Now based in Dar es Salaam, Tahira is the co-founder of Kazi Yetu, a social enterprise that collaborates with local farmers to produce premium teas, herbs, and spices. While Kazi Yetu (Kazi Yetu translates to “Our Work” in Swahili) exports its products worldwide, the true mission extends far beyond delivering quality teas. At its heart, the enterprise is dedicated to uplifting rural communities and empowering women through fair wages, sustainable employment, and growth opportunities. This ethos of empowerment has set Kazi Yetu apart as a pioneering organization in Tanzania, making strides in closing the gender gap and improving economic conditions for women in the community.
Tahira’s career in international development took her around the world, including stints in Afghanistan and East Africa, where she worked on projects centered around economic inclusion and job creation. These experiences gave her a firsthand understanding of the challenges rural farmers face, especially in emerging nations. In 2018, she and her husband launched Kazi Yetu, combining her background in development with a passion for tea rooted in her family’s history.
Reflecting on her time at ASD, Tahira credits the school with instilling the empathy, communication, and critical thinking skills that drive her mission. “The experiences I had at ASD — from classroom discussions to cultural exchanges — taught me how to adapt, think creatively, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Those skills have been essential in building Kazi Yetu.”
For Tahira, her journey from ASD to Tanzania has been a chance to reconnect with her family’s roots while making a tangible impact. As Kazi Yetu continues to grow and expand its reach, she remains deeply committed to uplifting communities and driving change, one tea leaf at a time. From the classrooms of ASD to the tea fields of Tanzania, Tahira Nizari’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and a vision for a better world.
