Kwanza Hub empowers Gen Z youths in innovation, entrepreneurship

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Kwanza Hub Innovation Centre, operating under Twigalpha Company has brought together Generation Z students from universities across Tanzania to nurture creativity, provide hands-on experience and offer start-up capital to develop innovative ideas.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the centre’s Technology Trainer, Jenipher Nderumaki, said the programme is designed to identify talented and confident youths capable of developing new products and testing solutions that generate positive impact in society.

“The programme is sustainable and serves as a platform to tap fresh ideas from young people, both for products entering the market and those already available,” Nderumaki said.

“Our goal is to identify youths who can critically analyse existing products and propose improvements to make them more competitive.”

The Founder and Innovator of Kwanza Hub, Mihayo Wilmore said the initiative also equips graduates entering the job market with skills to design solutions that transform lifestyles and business operations.

“We cannot claim to know everything. We bring Gen Z youths on board to analyse existing challenges and develop solutions so they remain valuable in the market. Together, mentors and young innovators, we can achieve our goals, ensuring youths secure employment opportunities while we continue contributing meaningfully to the innovation ecosystem,” he said.

The hub’s Business Operations Manager, Sia Malewas said 12 participants from various higher learning institutions were selected for the programme, with the top five performers set to receive start-up capital to implement their projects.

She added that the initiative also enables young people to build professional networks and gain practical skills, even in areas beyond their academic specialisations.

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“We want youths to think big and differently because we believe they have the capacity to go beyond what they learned in classrooms,” she said.

One of the programme’s judges, Salama Somboka, commended the participants for being knowledgeable, attentive, inquisitive and hardworking. She said the five winners demonstrated strong communication skills and show great promise in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, the owner and head chef of Nico’s Cafe, Nicolaus John advised participants on the importance of proper nutrition, noting that nutrient-rich foods enhance brain function, creativity and the ability to generate impactful ideas.

He thanked Kwanza Hub for involving him in the initiative and giving him the opportunity to provide meals to participants, describing it as a meaningful way to support youth development.

The programme is expected to continue serving as a platform for identifying emerging talent, fostering innovation and developing creative solutions that benefit society while enhancing product competitiveness in the market.