Silaa thrilled by ATC innovations
ARUSHA: MINISTER for Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, has commended Arusha Technical College for its investment in student innovation, particularly in developing digital applications such as prepaid water metres.
He made the remarks during his visit to various innovation centres in Arusha on Wednesday. Mr Silaa was surprised by the way ATC students have developed applications that are crucial for facilitating online businesses.
“The goal of the sixthphase government plan is to ensure these incubation hubs produce innovative Tanzanian youths who cannot only employ themselves but also create job opportunities for others,” said Mr Silaa.
“The government wants to see our youth’s startup dreams transform into major employment opportunities, generating substantial income, with the government benefiting from tax revenue. The process of creating a startup policy is already underway.”
Mr Silaa also noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has plans to establish a Digital Technical Institute (DTI) in Nara, Dodoma, to support Tanzanian innovations and make them globally competitive.
Meanwhile, Mr Aggrey Mbwana, a Software Engineering student at Arusha Technical College, demonstrated to the Minister how his “Baba Application” helps facilitate trade in the country.
Mr Mbwana noted that through his Baba Application, users can purchase products such as laptops, which are delivered by trusted dealers or suppliers directly to the customer’s destination.
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“The customer will pay for the product at the delivery office after receiving it. So far, I have about 5,000 customers and have generated an income of approximately 20m/- since January this year,” he said.
He also said that his application is available on the Play Store. Another student, Rosemary Haule, who specialises in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, revealed that she has developed a live soccer application aimed at promoting sports in the country by publicising emerging athletes.
She also explained that the application sends notifications about specific sports that users are interested in.
“My application is called ‘Water-Powered Engine,’ which aims to convert water into energy that can be used in various equipment and cars,” said Reginald Ulomi, a Civil Engineering student.
Meanwhile, Ms Khadija Miraji, a Civil Engineering student, demonstrated her rainwater harvest treatment system for domestic and irrigation use.
Mr Masoud Mbelwa, a Biomedical Engineering expert, also showcased how the water prepaid metres they have invented function.
The Deputy Principal of ATC, Mr Florence Mamboya and Ms Winfrida Mbowe, the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Centre at ATC, both praised Mr Silaa’s visit, noting that it encourages them to continue investing in innovation for their students.
Mr Silaa also visited other startups, including Twende Accelerating Innovation at Njiro, where he saw how Green Venture Tanzania Company uses plastic waste to create wood, furniture and other products.
This was elaborated by the company’s Founder and CEO, Mr Edgar Tarimo. At the same venue, Ms Milka Peter, the Administrator and Finance Minister of Kyaro’s Catalog NGO, shared their innovations, including special tools for people with disabilities such as wheelchairs, ramps for stairs, tilting tables, among others.
