Vodacom pledges more support for innovation
DAR ES SALAAM: Vodacom Tanzania has pledged to continue supporting innovation in Tanzania as it marks 10 years of partnership with the Innovation Week Tanzania.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during a cocktail event hosted by Vodacom for attendees of the Innovation Week Tanzania, the Vodacom Tanzania CEO and Managing Director, Phillipe Besiimire said there is a bright future in innovation hence the need for more support.
“We believe in the power of science and technology and know that innovation can address socio economic issues such as climate change, health and unemployment,” he said.
He further noted that Vodacom Tanzania was proud to have walked with Innovation Week Tanzania through a journey of 10 years that has benefited many young innovators to explore further.
He called on Tanzanians to turn up at the ongoing weeklong Innovation Week Tanzania sessions going on at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
The Skills Management Director at the Commission for Science and Technology, Samson Mwela, lauded Vodacom for proving to be one of the biggest stakeholders of innovation in the country.
“You have shown this through action by supporting the innovation week for 10 years now, this is quite remarkable and we call on other organizations to follow suit as there is a lot of talent out there that needs to be tapped.
He said the government is keen in working with institutions like Vodacom and ensuring that innovation is prioritized as it is a true catalyst to development.
The Funguo Programs Manager Joseph Manirakiza, whose organization is coordinating the Innovation Week in collaboration with COSTECH, said Vodacom has been a key partner of the Innovation Week and has been consistent for 10 years.
“This was the first company to sponsor the Innovation Week when we started 10 years back and has been with us throughout,” he said.
Other institutions that have been playing a key role include European Union, FCDO, UNDP who have continued to make Funguo a reality and other partners who have been supporting the innovation week include UNICEF, UNWOMEN, ENABEL and VODACOM.
