Grace Urassa: From Corporate Powerhouse to Agriculture Trailblazer

Grace Urassa’s story is a compelling transformation, resilience, and empowerment narrative. From her modest beginnings as a young entrepreneur selling eggs to relatives, to leading a highly successful poultry farm in Tanzania, her journey exemplifies the profound impact of determination, innovation, and strategic partnerships. This story has inspired many, particularly women, to embrace agriculture as a viable and fulfilling career path.

A Humble Beginning with a Vision

Grace’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 13 in her family home, where she started raising chickens and selling eggs. Despite her young age, her determination and vision were evident. She managed to balance her burgeoning entrepreneurial activities with her education, laying the groundwork for what would become a career-defining pursuit.

Grace pursued higher education, earning a degree in Business Administration. Her quest for knowledge took her to London, where she studied Public Relations, equipping her with valuable skills that would later play a significant role in her success. Though her academic background initially steered her toward a corporate career, her early entrepreneurial ventures always remained close to her heart.

A Flourishing Corporate Career

Grace’s professional journey took her to the corporate world, where she worked at Statoil, now Equinor, a Norwegian energy company. Her role as the head of Equinor’s Tanzania office was marked by success and growth. She was responsible for managing operations in Tanzania, a role that required strategic thinking, leadership, and resilience—qualities that would later serve her well in her entrepreneurial pursuits.

While she excelled in her corporate career, Grace felt an increasing desire to connect with her roots and make a direct impact on her community. The allure of agriculture, combined with her understanding of the untapped potential in Tanzania’s farming sector, eventually led her to make a life-changing decision.

A Bold Leap into Agriculture

In 2017, Grace left her corporate job and ventured into agriculture full-time. With funds saved from her career and additional support from Tanzania’s Mandeleo Bank, she acquired a 22-acre plot of land north of Dar es Salaam. This marked the birth of Audken Farm, named after her children, Audrey and Kenneth.

Starting from scratch, Grace embarked on a journey to transform the land into a productive and sustainable farm. The initial challenges were immense, requiring investments in infrastructure, construction of poultry houses, and the establishment of water and energy systems. Undeterred, Grace’s vision and resilience kept her going.

The Growth of Audken Farm

What began as a modest operation with 500 chickens has grown into one of the most successful poultry farms in Tanzania. Today, Audken Farm houses over 12,000 chickens, producing 300 trays of eggs daily. These eggs are sold in Dar es Salaam, meeting the city’s high demand for quality poultry products. The farm also includes broiler chickens, which are bred for meat production, and cultivates crops such as bananas and papayas.

The farm’s infrastructure has expanded significantly since its inception. It now includes multiple poultry houses, storage facilities, and worker guest accommodations. This expansion has been accompanied by technological innovations, including the use of disease-resistant chicken breeds and modern farming techniques that enhance productivity and efficiency.

Creating Employment Opportunities

Audken Farm is not just a business but a driver of local economic development. Grace employs 14 young Tanzanians, providing them with stable jobs and opportunities for growth. Her commitment to empowering the youth aligns with her broader vision of fostering sustainable development in Tanzania.

In addition to direct employment, Audken Farm has created opportunities along the value chain, including for feed suppliers, transporters, and market vendors. Grace’s leadership has turned the farm into a hub of activity that benefits the entire community.

Strategic Partnerships: A Key to Success

One of Grace’s success pillars has been her ability to forge strategic partnerships. She attributes a significant part of Audken Farm’s growth to the support she received from the U.S. Grains Council. This collaboration provided her with access to technical expertise, resources, and networks that enhanced her farm’s productivity and market reach.

Grace has also worked with Deloitte for financial and operational guidance, ensuring that her business remains profitable and sustainable. These partnerships reflect her strategic approach to leveraging expertise and resources to achieve her goals.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Grace’s journey has not been without personal hurdles. At one point, she faced challenges in her personal life, including navigating a difficult relationship that tested her resilience. Instead of succumbing to adversity, she used it as a motivation to rebuild her life and pursue her dreams.

Her ability to rise above personal challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth has made her a role model for many. Grace’s story resonates with women across Tanzania and beyond, particularly those facing similar struggles. Her message is clear: with courage, determination, and support, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Advocacy and Empowerment

Beyond her work on the farm, Grace is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and agricultural transformation. She believes that agriculture offers immense potential for economic growth and self-reliance, particularly for women and youth.

Grace regularly shares her story on public platforms, including BBC Swahili and Power Breakfast, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships, education, and innovation in achieving success in agriculture.

Innovations in Poultry Farming

Audken Farm has become a model of innovation and best practices in poultry farming. The farm’s focus on high-quality, disease-resistant chicken breeds ensures consistent production and profitability. Grace’s commitment to maintaining high standards has earned her a reputation for excellence, making Audken Farm a trusted supplier in the Tanzanian market.

The farm’s diversification into both layer and broiler chickens has allowed it to cater to different market segments, further enhancing its profitability. Grace’s strategic approach to farm management is a testament to her business acumen and vision.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Grace has ambitious plans for Audken Farm. She aims to expand production, explore new markets, and continue investing in technology and infrastructure. Her vision extends beyond her farm, as she seeks to empower other entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader agricultural value chain in Tanzania.

Grace is also exploring opportunities to collaborate with educational institutions and NGOs to provide training and mentorship for aspiring farmers. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, she hopes to inspire a new generation of agricultural leaders.