Tanzania launches lab to grow 1,000 startups

DAR ES SALAAM:TANZANIA has launched a national programme aimed at accelerating startup growth, with at least 1,000 ventures expected to benefit over the next four years.

The initiative, known as the Tanzania Ventures Lab (TVL), launched today in Dar es Salaam by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with innovation ecosystem partners is expected to contribute to job creation, commercialise research and strengthen Tanzania’s participation in the global innovation economy.

The four-year programme, which will run from 2026 to 2029, seeks to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups and linking innovators with investors, researchers, industry players and government institutions.

Speaking during the launch, COSTECH Director General Amos Nungu said the initiative marks a significant step in unlocking Tanzania’s innovation potential and promoting a knowledge-driven economy.

“The Tanzania Ventures Lab represents an important step in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.

“By supporting high-potential ventures and strengthening collaboration between research institutions, industry and investors, the programme will help transform innovative ideas into scalable enterprises that contribute to national economic development.”

Dr Nungu said Tanzania’s youthful population presents a major opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship.

With a population of more than 65 million people, and over 70 per cent below the age of 35, he said the country has a strong base of young innovators developing solutions in sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and digital technologies.

However, he noted that many innovative ideas fail to grow into successful businesses due to limited access to finance, technical support and market opportunities.

Through the programme, about 250 startups will be supported each year, creating a network of around 1,000 innovation-driven enterprises by 2029.

The initiative will focus on six strategic sectors considered critical for Tanzania’s economic transformation. These include energy and clean technologies, mining and extractives, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and livestock, manufacturing and industrial innovation, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The programme will be implemented through a partnership involving COSTECH, its Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), Buni Innovation Hub and Sahara Ventures.

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Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Ventures, Jumanne Mtambalike, said the initiative seeks to address challenges faced by startups by providing structured acceleration programmes, mentorship and stronger connections to investors and markets.

“We have many talented innovators in Tanzania, but often they lack the support needed to transform their ideas into sustainable companies,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Dar Teknohama Business Incubator, Patience Abraham, said the programme will create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful businesses.

She noted that incubation hubs play a vital role in nurturing early-stage innovators by providing mentorship, business development support and networking opportunities.

The programme will also establish a National Ventures Database Platform aimed at increasing the visibility of Tanzanian startups and making it easier for investors to identify promising ventures.

Officials say the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting innovation-led development and expanding employment opportunities for youth.

By supporting 1,000 startups over the next four years, the Tanzania Ventures Lab is expected to contribute to job creation, commercialisation of research and technology, and stronger participation of Tanzanian innovators in the global startup ecosystem.