Shaping the future with Tanzania’s tech innovators
The third season of Vodacom Tanzania’s Digital Accelerator Programme concluded with a bang, showcasing the country’s brightest tech minds. Seven start-ups, selected from a pool of 20, pitched their innovative solutions at a thrilling Demo Day event in July this year.
The proud winners of this year’s Vodacom Digital Accelerator competition are AltitudeX, Afya Lead and GoGo app.
These start-ups, along with the other finalists – MITz Kits, Afya ya Mnyama, Mkanda Salama, SAB Biomanufacturers and Makonda Renewable Tech – had spent three months honing their skills through workshops, mentorship and a learning tour in Shenzhen, China. In partnership with MassChallenge and Huawei, the group experienced cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast networks, sparking new ideas and possibilities for Tanzania.
The programme culminated in the Demo Day, which underscored the growth, scope and diversity of Tanzanian start-ups, showcasing the promising future of the country’s tech ecosystem.
“From the beginning of our innovation journey, we faced many challenges, but with determination and the support of Vodacom Digital Accelerator mentorship, we built a strong business foundation. I am thrilled to win this award and look forward to implementing what I’ve learned to bring positive change to my community.”
Philip Besiimire, Managing Director of Vodacom Tanzania, described the Demo Day as a celebration of innovation, hard work and the bright future of Tanzanian start-ups.
“These seven start-ups have shown that solutions to local challenges lie within our youth, and we are proud to have been a part of their growth,” he said. “I commend all the finalists and wish them well. The market is ready for your solutions; let’s go make a difference.”
Committed to supporting start-ups
Through the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Programme, we provide start-ups with access to local and international industry experts, training, mentorship, partner networks and M-PESA services.
The initiative aligns with Vodacom’s belief in creating solutions that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By doing so, we ensure that innovations benefit all members of society while addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These efforts were evident at the Demo Day, which showcased the diversity and innovation of Tanzania’s start-up ecosystem. From healthcare solutions to renewable energy technologies, the finalists presented a wide range of groundbreaking ideas, highlighting the programme’s impact and the potential of these start-ups to drive positive change.
“The Tanzanian innovation ecosystem is ripe for growth. This year alone, we received over 200 applications and managed to work with only 20 start-ups during the design sprint phase and later seven finalists so you can see the hunger out there. I invite other corporates, investors, and ventures to explore the Tanzanian market. There are brilliant minds here that just need a boost. Remember, this is just the beginning. Keep innovating, pushing boundaries, and creating solutions that will shape the future of Tanzania.”
And the winners are…
AltitudeX, formerly known as Agrinfo, provides data-driven solutions using drone and satellite technologies. The company offers valuable insights to businesses by leveraging these advanced technologies, initially focusing on agriculture but now expanding beyond to various sectors.
Mkanda Salama is an initiative by Afya Lead Company in Kalema, Tanzania. The tech focuses on reducing maternal deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhages through a special belt designed to compress the stomach and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.
GoGo is a mobile app designed to provide 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. The company offers services that help with problems such as mechanical issues, dead batteries, flat tyres, fuel shortages, lockouts and more. GoGo uses GPS and maps to locate a vehicle’s location and assists users in diagnosing the problem and requesting the appropriate service.
“It has been an honour to partner with Vodacom Tanzania for the Digital Accelerator Programme. The dedication and talent of these start-ups are truly inspiring, and it was a great honour connecting them with both local and international mentors to help guide their journeys. We are excited to see how these entrepreneurs will continue to innovate and drive positive change in their communities.”
About Vodacom Digital Accelerator
Started in 2019 by Vodacom Tanzania, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Programme aims to support early-stage and growth-stage start-ups with disruptive products and services that have the potential to scale, leveraging on global partnerships and expertise to provide start-ups with invaluable resources, mentorship and exposure. The programme caters to the start-ups’ specific needs by providing access to tools and in-kind funding, empowering them to grow into profitable, revenue-generating businesses.
