Francis, B. S.Mwakalobo, A.Nguyahambi, A. M.2024-08-192024-08-192021Francis, B. S., Mwakalobo, A., & Nguyahambi, A. M. (2021). Cluster development initiatives in promoting small and medium enterprises in Tanzania. In sustainable education and development 9 (pp. 262-272). Springer International Publishing.9783030688363URL: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-68836-3_23https://repository.udom.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12661/4795Abstract. Full -text available at https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-68836-3_23This paper examined the implementation status of Cluster Development Initiatives (CDIs) in promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singida, Mbeya and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Although much has been written on the contribution of CDIs in promoting SMEs, little attention has been given by scholars on the implementation status of CDIs particularly in Tanzania. In filling this knowledge gap, this paper focused on examining the implementation of technology, training, networking and capital supports. A cross-sectional research design with simple random sampling techniques were employed where by 150 SMEs owners in clusters were surveyed and key informants were interviewed for primary data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA and thematic analysis respectively. The findings revealed that Implementation of CDIs supports in the study area was high on training and inadequate on capital with mean scores of .4819 and .2478 across both regions and clusters with statistically no significant difference at P Value = 0.18 and significant at P Value = 0.000 respectively in promoting SMEs. However, small loan sizes, long processes in loan processing and high reliance on donor funded projects were the major challenges on CDIs. It was concluded that CDIs have great potential towards promoting SMEs yet; it has not been explored and utilized to the maximum. It was therefore recommended that, policy makers via the responsible ministry should device a national strategy to provide clear guidance to all stakeholders as well as mainstreaming CDIs implementation in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and special government budgets.enCluster developmentCluster Development InitiativesCDIsMedium enterprisesSmall enterprisesSMEsTanzaniaBook chapter10.1007/978-3-030-68836-3_23