International master’s graduate sets out to empower women in Tanzania

In 2023, international student Nice Kahembe from Tanzania came to Norway through BI’s SUSTAIN program, arriving in a country she had never visited before. As the first student in the program to pursue a full master’s degree at BI, she was stepping into uncharted territory.

SUSTAIN is a partnership between BI and business schools in Tanzania and Ethiopia to boost education in supply chain and sustainability through research and exchange.

Nice hadn’t expected just how much the experience would shape her perspective. Having submitted her Master’s thesis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation a few weeks ago, Nice reflects on two years of personal growth, academic challenge, and unexpected transformation.

After a short exchange program in Finland, Nice was no stranger to international education. But Norway brought a new set of challenges.

 “I thought I was prepared, but it was hard. You don’t know who to ask, or what to ask. Socially, it wasn’t easy to make friends,” she recalls.

 “I’m naturally extroverted, but here I had to try being a bit of an introvert too.”

Her first semester was marked by cultural adjustments, academic pressure, and moments of isolation. Navigating Oslo alone, adapting to a new grading system was not easy. She explains that the grade "C" in Norway is like a "B" at home. Facing her first exam left her overwhelmed.

“I remember crying during my first exam. I didn’t know if I would finish in time.”

Breakthroughs 

A turning point came during “The Crowd, the Cloud, and Sustainable Innovation” course, where she managed to write a major paper while juggling a workshop.

 “I got an A on that exam, and I was so surprised. That’s when I started believing in myself and really understood that hard work pays off.”

She credits BI for creating an environment that supported her growth. 

”BI lived up to what I hoped for, and more.”

She explains it with the good infrastructure, friendly professors, and “an exceptional library” where you can find anything you want.

Norway: An unexpected chapter

Norway wasn’t part of her original plan. After applying for scholarships in Sweden and the UK, she discovered BI’s SUSTAIN program almost by accident.

“I wasn’t thinking of Norway, but the opportunity came. I applied, did an English test, got an interview — and here I am,” she laughs. 

Looking back, she reflects on how different she was before arriving. 

 “The Nice from 2023 and the Nice now are two different people. I’ve grown. I’ve explored. I’ve realized my strength.”

Looking ahead: A PhD and purpose

Nice hopes to continue her academic journey in Norway with a PhD focused on sustainability.

“If I get the opportunity, I’m not ready to move again just yet. I love Norway; the calmness, the nature. It surprised me. I didn’t see myself living here, but now I do.”

Her long-term vision is rooted in impact. She wants to empower young women entrepreneurs in Tanzania.

“I believe in giving back. There are so many smart young people in Tanzania, but they lack the right platform and support.” 

With experience in NGO leadership and mentoring, she’s passionate about helping others grow. 

“I want to help women build their businesses. Not by doing it for them, but by helping them connect with the right people. That’s the kind of entrepreneurship I believe in.”