TANZANIA: TANZANIA is not just playing catch-up in the global race for innovation; it’s setting the pace. With a vision to create a thriving ecosystem for technology and entrepreneurship, Tanzania is taking bold strides in supporting innovation.
This dynamic shift is not only aimed at boosting the country’s economy but also at empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs to take the reins of a brighter future.
So, how is Tanzania doing this? By establishing initiatives that fuel creativity, collaboration and sustainable development. One of the key drivers is the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, which is literally changing the game for startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). Think of it as the nurturing big brother you never had— offering mentorship, funding and resources that turn entrepreneurial dreams into realities. And the best part? FUNGUO is all about sustainable development, ensuring that innovation doesn’t just grow, it thrives in alignment with the country’s broader goals.
But it’s not just about financial support. Tanzania’s government, in partnership with the private sector, is making substantial investments in research and development, digital infrastructure, and skill-building initiatives. These are all aimed at making sure that innovation doesn’t just stay in one lane, but flourishes across key sectors like agriculture, education and healthcare. This investment is no small thing—it’s a long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth and resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Enter Innovation Week Tanzania 2025 (IWTz2025)— the event that promises to showcase Tanzania’s flair for innovation on a global stage. This year’s theme, “Innovation for a Resilient and Inclusive Future,” perfectly encapsulates the country’s aspirations. The event is a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Vodacom Tanzania and COSTECH (Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology). It’s essentially a high-energy festival for innovation, aimed at accelerating Tanzania’s digital transformation and pushing boundaries in entrepreneurship.
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You might be wondering, “What’s so special about IWTz2025?” Well, this isn’t your typical conference with a few panel discussions and awkward networking sessions. It’s a full-throttle, action packed event with keynote addresses, workshops and exhibitions that will highlight the very best of Tanzania’s innovation scene. Whether it’s shaping smart, sustainable cities or empowering youth to drive change in the digital era, IWTz2025 is the place where ideas will collide and ignite.
During the event’s launch, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara, made it clear that innovation is the golden ticket to solving the world’s sustainable development challenges. He said, “At UNDP, we believe that innovation is central to tackling the challenges of sustainable development and creating inclusive growth opportunities.” With the European Union and FCDO backing the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, UNDP is on a mission to unlock the full potential of Tanzanians, particularly women and youth.
And the government? Dr Athman Mgumia, the Director at COSTECH, shared a clear vision for the future, stating that collaboration is the key to transforming ideas into impactful solutions. The message here is simple: “We need to connect the dots and bring stakeholders together to create lasting change.” And that’s precisely what IWTz2025 will do—provide a platform for dialogue, action, and transformation.
Vodacom Tanzania is another big player in this innovation revolution. Philip Baseiimire, Vodacom’s Managing Director, described the partnership as a “defining moment” for Tanzania’s innovation landscape.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies and forming collaborations with key stakeholders, Vodacom is shaping a more connected, digital future for the country. In fact, Vodacom’s unwavering commitment to innovation is making sure that technological solutions are accessible to all, empowering Tanzanians to thrive in an inclusive digital economy.
Mr Baseiimire also pointed out that the Future Ready Summit, the crown jewel of IWTz2025, will focus on building sustainable, inclusive cities in the face of rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological disruptions. With this summit, Tanzania is positioning itself as a key hub for digital transformation. Mr Baseiimire’s words are clear: “By bringing international perspectives into the conversation, we aim to make Tanzania the leading center for digital innovation in Africa.”
But here’s the thing— Tanzania doesn’t just want to be a player in the global innovation space. It wants to lead. By hosting IWTz2025, the country is taking the necessary steps to ensure that young people, especially women, have the tools, support, and opportunities to drive meaningful change. This isn’t just a “nice to have” initiative—it’s a “must-have” for the future of the country. Tanzania is building an innovation ecosystem that’s youth-led, inclusive and ready to make waves.
IWTz2025 is set to be a game-changer. It will take place from May 12-16, 2025, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, with satellite activities happening nationwide. With hundreds of participants from Tanzania, Africa, and beyond, this is more than just an event—it’s a movement. A movement that’s about transforming ideas into action, turning obstacles into opportunities and making sure that everyone has a seat at the table.
In a world where technology is transforming economies, societies, and daily life, Tanzania is putting itself in the driver’s seat. With its investments in innovation, collaborations between the public and private sectors and the vision to create a sustainable, inclusive future, Tanzania is ready to lead the way. The only question left is: Are you ready to be a part of this revolution?
Key takeaway: If you’ve been looking for the next big innovation hub, Tanzania is where the action is. Come for the groundbreaking ideas, stay for the digital transformation.
