COSTECH launches programme to boost startups
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has launched a national programme aimed at accelerating the growth of innovative startups and transforming local ideas into sustainable businesses, with at least 1,000 ventures expected to benefit over the next four years.
The initiative, known as the Tanzania Ventures Lab (TVL), was officially launched yesterday in Dar es Salaam in collaboration with innovation ecosystem partners.
Speaking during the launch, COSTECH Director General, Dr Amos Nungu said the fouryear programme, which will run from 2026 to 2029, is designed to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem by supporting highpotential startups and connecting innovators with investors, researchers, industry players and government institutions.
“The programme represents an important step in unlocking Tanzania’s innovation potential and building a knowledge-driven economy. The TVL represents an important step in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem,” he said. He added: “By supporting highpotential ventures and improving collaboration between research institutions, industry and investors, the programme will help transform innovative ideas into scalable enterprises that contribute to Tanzania’s economic development.” Dr Nungu said Tanzania’s youthful population presents a major opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship.
With more than 65 million people and over 70 per cent of the population below the age of 35, he said that the country has a strong base of young innovators developing solutions in sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and digital technologies.
However, he said many of the ideas fail to grow into successful businesses due to limited technical support, access to finance and market opportunities.
Through the TVL, approximately 250 startups will be supported each year, creating a network of 1,000 innovation-driven enterprises by 2029. Dr Nungu said the programme will focus on six strategic sectors that are considered critical to 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,” he said.
Dr Nungu noted that the initiative will be implemented through a strategic partnership involving COSTECH, its Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), the Buni Innovation Hub and Sahara Ventures.
Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Ventures, Mr Jumanne Mtambalike said the programme aims to address long-standing 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 turn their ideas into sustainable companies. “Through the Tanzania Ventures Lab, we are building a pipeline that will help startups grow, access markets and attract investment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dar Teknohama Business Incubator Chief Executive Officer, Ms Patience Abraham said the programme will create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into impactful businesses.
She said that incubation hubs play an important role in nurturing early-stage innovators by providing mentorship, business development support and networking opportunities.
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According to Ms Abraham, the initiative will help strengthen collaboration between universities, research institutions and the private sector, enabling research outcomes to be transformed into commercial ventures.
“This programme will provide innovators with the support and networks they need to grow competitive businesses,” she said.
She added that the initiative will particularly empower youths and women entrepreneurs, enabling them to play a more active role in driving the country’s economic growth.
The programme will also establish a National Ventures Database Platform to increase the visibility of Tanzanian startups and make it easier for investors to identify and support promising ventures.
Startups said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting innovation-driven development and expanding employment opportunities for young people.
By supporting 1,000 startups over the next four years, the TVL is expected to create jobs, accelerate the commercialisation of research and technology, and strengthen the participation of Tanzanian innovators in the global startup ecosystem.
