This Week in Tanzania Tech: 10 Important Headlines, 2 Startups to Watch

Greetings, and welcome to the Atoms + Bits Newsletter where you have joined a community of over 40 thousand readers. As we do every mid-weekend, we provide you with the latest and most significant news in the world of Silicon Bongo, covering everything from meetups to investment, and startup opportunities. By following #TechWeekTZ, you will be equipped with the essential tools and information to shape the future of technology in Tanzania.

Let's start with the top ten headlines, then move on to Startup Jobs and the Tanzanian Startups to Watch for this week.

1. imbeJu Seed Capital earmarked for supporting startups run by women and youth

On February 20th, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), ICT Commission (ICTC), and CRDB Bank signed an MoU to discover and finance startups and businesses led by women. This demonstrates CRDB Bank's ongoing commitment to promoting economic inclusion in Tanzania. It was a fantastic way to kick off the week!

2. Tanzanian startup founders unite for monthly meetup

Agness Mollel, Tony Missokia, and Iddy John were the hosts of a February meetup at Sahara Ventures, an event that brought together numerous Tanzanian founders who were eager to exchange knowledge and establish new connections. The gathering was a platform for entrepreneurs to share their experiences and insights on various topics such as business development, marketing strategies, and financial management.

Agness is the Co-Founder of Mipango, an AI-enabled personal finance app; while Iddy leads Safari Wallet, an online travel platform that allows African tourists to book customized trips and destinations using savings or installment plans.

Missokia, on the other hand, is the Director of Laina Finance, a non-deposit microfinance provider. Laina's digital financing platform includes a risk management tool, a credit decision engine, and a loan management system. These features enable quick decisions regarding the provision of micro-loans or purchase finance.

It is inspiring to see such innovative entrepreneurs coming together for the benefit of all!

3. Investment Opportunities in Tanzania: Inaugural Tanzania-EU Business Forum Spurs New Partnerships and Strategic Investments Worth TZS 1.2 Trillion

The Tanzania-EU Business Forum took place on February 23rd and 24th, 2023 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, with the slogan "Tap into Tanzania's investment opportunities." The event was organized by Global Gateway Africa and attended by high-ranking officials from both the public and private sectors. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the Global Gateway strategy provides a blueprint for Europe to establish more robust global connections.

The Forum concentrated on four sectors: energy transition, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, connectivity, and construction. It provided a platform for direct engagement between businesses, firms, policymakers, companies, and financing institutions. According to IPP Media, the Forum generated new collaborations worth TZS 1.2 Trillion. This strategic investment package aims to enhance air transport, develop Tanzania's ports, and build a hydroelectric power plant, among other initiatives.

4. ProjeKT Inspire Launches STEM Park Dar, Offering Children in Tanzania a Gateway to the Future of Education

ProjeKT Inspire has started running its STEM Park branch in Dar, which offers children the opportunity to learn skills relevant to the future. Lwidiko Mhamilawa, a distinguished Tanzanian scientist, founded ProjeKt Inspire, and Jumanne Mtambalike is excited about the new launch, saying that parents in Dar now have no excuse not to introduce their children to the skills that will be needed in the future.

During the launch, Dr. Mhamilawa and Professor Mkenda, Tanzania's Minister of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST) discussed the future of STEM Education. STEM Park Dar, along with its Tanga counterpart, will be a significant collaboration area between ProjeKt Inspire and MoEST, as the Minister is leading discussions about changes in primary and secondary curricula.

5. Tanzanian Government Targets ICT and Fintech Growth with Vodacom Partnership

During a recent meeting between Vodacom Tanzania CEO, Philip Besiimire, and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ashatu Kijani, they discussed investment opportunities in Tanzania's ICT and Fintech sectors. According to Besiimire, the government aims to increase broadband penetration to 85% by 2025, which is currently at 55%. He stated that inadequate investment and related obstacles remain the main challenges to bridging this gap. Besiimire emphasized that significant investments, particularly in core infrastructure, are needed to establish and maintain broadband networks. As he put it, "Achieving universal, good-quality internet access across [Tanzania] will require significant investments, 80% of which is needed for core infrastructure." Vodacom is dedicated to supporting Tanzania's digital transformation by providing high-quality access to communication networks and services. Besiimire believes that improved connectivity will create more opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs with new technologies.

6. Entrepreneurial Networking in Northern Tanzania: WSH Arusha's Founder Friday Meetup

Westerwelle Startup Haus (WSH) Arusha is a nonprofit working space that aims to create equal opportunities for all by uplifting Tanzania through empowered entrepreneurship. As part of their efforts, they recently organized an event for entrepreneurs in Northern Tanzania's tech ecosystem, which they named "Founder Friday". The event provided a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and form potential partnerships.

During the meetup, attendees had the opportunity to participate in networking sessions, where they could meet and interact with other entrepreneurs in the area. In addition, refreshments were provided, allowing for a more casual atmosphere and a chance to unwind after a long week. To add some fun to the event, games were also incorporated into the program.

7. From Undergrad to CEO: The Rise of Edwin Bruno and Smart Africa Group

"Smart Africa Group (SAG) has revealed the full story of Edwin Bruno, known as 'Tanzania's Biggest Visionary'," according to a recent announcement. Bruno is the "Founder, Chief Visionary Officer, and CEO of Smart Africa Group (SAG), a five-subsidiary company." One of the earliest companies that SAG encompasses is "Smart Codes," which Bruno established during his undergraduate years.

Bruno's accomplishments have earned him a spot on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List in 2016. According to Forbes journalist Ancillar Mangena, this list was a "representative of people we believe have the potential to one day be on the FORBES AFRICA cover." She explained that honorees on Forbes Africa will have a "net worth of no less than $200 million, employ thousands of people and help grow the African continent."

8. iGravity Delegation Explores Investment Opportunities for Climate-Resilient Tanzanian Businesses

iGravity, a global advisory firm, sent a delegation of two experienced Impact Investment Analysts to Tanzania to meet with businesses and startups at the forefront of the country's climate resilience efforts. The primary objective of the analysts' visit was to conduct a thorough scoping mission and identify revenue-generating Tanzanian companies that are committed to tackling climate change.

During their stay in Tanzania, the iGravity analysts engaged with local businesses and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to climate change challenges. They explored opportunities to invest in these ventures and support them as they continue to grow and scale. The analysts also gained insights into the unique challenges facing Tanzanian startups and communities as they work to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

9. CBE to Launch Entrepreneurship Clubs in Dar es Salaam Schools, With Support from TSA, Jokate, and Others

The College of Business Education (CBE) has announced plans to create clubs promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in secondary schools across Dar es Salaam. To kick off the initiative, a club has already been launched at Temeke Secondary School, with support from several figures including Zahoro Muhaji, CEO of the Tanzania Startup Association (TSA), Korogwe District Commissioner Jokate Mwegelo, Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Faraja Nyalandu of Shule Direct.

"Over the past four years, we have been operating comparable programs in the secondary schools of Iyunga Tech, Pandahill, and St. Marcus through our Innovation Hub," says MUST's Justin Mwakatobe.

10. Building Businesses to Solve Social Issues: Sahara Ventures and Save The Children collaborate in Tanzania

Sahara Ventures, an investment and consulting firm, believes that creating a business around a problem is the most effective way to solve it. In line with this philosophy, they have collaborated on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the Save the Children's Tanzania Office. The primary objective of this partnership is to support and encourage innovators and entrepreneurs who have developed solutions to address the challenges faced by African youth and children.

Together, Sahara Ventures and Save The Children will provide a platform for these innovators and ventures to thrive. This will include offering business and investment guidance, as well as access to resources, networks, and funding.

Job Opportunities at Startups

1. smartDarasa, a startup that provides interactive STEM learning, is seeking to hire two interns: one to manage operations and another to develop 3D content. Those who are interested can apply through the company's website.

2. Shambahuru, a digital marketplace for agricultural products that connects farmers with potential buyers, is currently in search of an IT Technician to join their team as an intern, part-time or full-time employee.

3. Cobryson's Investment Company is currently seeking interns for positions in marketing and content creation. The award-winning startup evaluates and offers undeveloped land to residents at reasonable prices, and provides flexibility in terms of budget. The primary focus of the company is the sale of agricultural land and parcels.

4. Bizzyn, the leading provider of cloud accounting and business management software in Tanzania, is looking for an intern software developer and a marketing intern.

STARTUPS TO WATCH

1. Misuko

Misuko is a hairdressing platform that operates through an app, offering on-demand services. Customers can locate nearby hairdressers based on their budget or reserve their preferred stylist for a later date. The app eliminates the need to wait in line for hair services. Furthermore, it provides hairstyle inspiration at no additional cost, allowing users to browse various styles and select one that complements their appearance. Misuko streamlines the hairdressing process, making it more efficient, affordable, and rapid.

2. Twenzao

Twenzao is comparable to Airbnb, but for road trips. This carpooling application allows private vehicle owners to invite paying passengers who are traveling in the same direction. Twenzao significantly reduces the number of vehicles on the road, which is a positive step toward a pollution-free future. Since fewer vehicles travel with empty seats, the burden on public transportation is reduced. In addition, this increases access to secure, fast, and private travel in rural areas. Twenzao is a win-win solution.

Conclusion

As the year progresses, we have seen many potential candidates for the "Headline of the Year" award, making it a challenging decision. However, we should continue to invest and provide guidance to support the ecosystem. Tanzania is a hidden gem in Africa, and technology will undoubtedly showcase its potential.