Our impact
McLives is a nutrition system, a farming partnership, a youth employer and a community institution, all in one.
Nutrition impact
Nearly one in three Tanzanian children under five is stunted (30%, TDHS-MIS 2022). Not because food is scarce, but because the food available lacks the micronutrients their bodies need. Iron deficiency causes fatigue and cognitive impairment. Zinc deficiency weakens immunity. B12 and folic acid deficiency affects brain development in children and foetal health in pregnant women.
McLives delivers all four micronutrients in a single 1,000 TZS cup. At this price, fortified nutrition is no longer reserved for those who can afford health food. It becomes the everyday breakfast of students, workers, families and communities across Arusha.
At our 2030 target of 15,000 daily customers, McLives will deliver approximately 4.7 million micronutrient doses per year, with no government subsidy, no grant dependency and no charity required.
Farmer impact
We source soybeans and grains directly from 15 contracted smallholder farmers across 21 hectares in the Arusha region, and farm our own 6 hectares. Every farmer under a McLives offtake agreement receives:
We are transitioning our contracted farmers from chemical to organic fertilizer as part of our AFR100 landscape restoration commitment. By 2027, we target 50 contracted farmers across 75 hectares, with 70% using organic practices.
Employment & women
McLives employs 9 full-time staff and 2 part-time workers. 56% are women. 100% are youth. Every position is formal, salaried, and comes with stable working hours and a career development pathway.
Beyond direct employment, McLives has trained over 20 young people through our factory-based entrepreneurship programme at our Njiro facility, teaching food processing, machine operation, business management and quality control. Several graduates have gone on to start their own micro-enterprises.
Environmental impact
Our Guta and cargo bikes produce zero emissions. They are also cheaper and more agile in Arusha traffic.
100% biodegradable cups and flour bags. No plastic in our packaging.
Coconut husk byproducts are donated to surrounding households as cooking fuel. Nothing goes to landfill.
We are documenting and transitioning our 27-hectare farmer network toward organic practices, in line with Tanzania’s national landscape restoration agenda.
Direct farmer sourcing encourages soybean rotation, which rebuilds soil nitrogen and health.
Our AFCON 2027 stations will run on the same principles: electric delivery, paper packaging, local sourcing.
Programmes & partners
Fortify Forward Innovation Challenge Winner 2025
EU / UNDP / UK FCDO / Finland. Investment Readiness Investee, Round 4
Landscape restoration and enterprise development
50-station AFCON 2027 expansion partnership
Youth loan facility, recognised enterprise
Institutional partner and customer since 2022
