Mission
COSAD, Inc. (Compassionate Solutions for Africa's Development) is a Minnesota based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization devoted to building creative partnerships that promote cultural creativity, entrepreneurship and community development in Tanzania.

Vision
COSAD-Center for Enterprise and Community Development in Tanzania (“COSAD Center”) extends COSAD’s mission and strategic vision, specializing in providing small business solutions through technical assistance, training, and financial resources that help individuals to develop and launch small enterprise projects.

We also work to promote creative solutions to social issues such as health and education, as part of our holistic approach to community development. COSAD believes a wealthy community begins with good health and that sustainable programs require enlightened and informed communities,

Background
Most Tanzanian communities project the wonderful openess and informality of their rural people, set in a spectacular landscape, yet this picture betrays the lack of development and public services, which people face daily. Running water, electricity, healthcare, and basic infrastructure are extremely limited due to the poor economic base of many areas. Unemployment stands alarmingly high and income averages less than $2 per day.

Despite this, many opportunities exist. Tanzania, as a home to more than 120 ethnic groups and languages, provides a source of very rich and diverse natural resources, economic opportunities, and a wide range of impressive cultural creativity.

Compulsory education produces a relatively high literacy rate. Many people know English as a second or third language. Cultural identity, traditions and family values run deep. The climate and the surrounding hills, forests, wildlife such as that found on the Serengeti, and the expansive fresh waters of Lake Victoria and its numerous islands, make impressive natural resources. The development potential for small enterprises seems quite high. Even small contributions to economic improvement mean large differences in people's lives. A number of NGOs and church organizations are present and working with communities to make a dent in the huge services need and offer opportunities for partnership.

COSAD was formed as a creative solution and response to these challenges and opportunities. More importantly, COSAD recognizes and appreciates the immense ability of the people to become better and more productive citizens once the obstacles in their paths are removed. Mr. Smart Baitani, from Bukoba, Tanzania, is a co-founder and the Executive Director of COSAD since its inception in 2002.