Disease Costs a Family Sh175 Mn, Plus 7 Other Tanzanian Tech Stories
Atoms & Bits Weekly Roundup #33
Welcome to another roundup of Tanzania's innovation ecosystem, aka Silicon Bongo. We cover the most important headlines from December 4th to 9th.
Let's dive in.
1. Bankers, Founders to Receive Cybersecurity Training
The Tanzania Institute of Bankers (TIOB) will offer training on the prevention of cyber crimes and fraud management from December 12–14 at the Stella Maris Hotel in Bagamoyo. TIOB intends to empower banking professionals with crucial skills to safeguard their institutions from reputational damage and customers from financial losses.
Key benefits of the Sh750,000 course to fintech startups and other financial services providers (FSPs) include:
Gaining insights into proactive strategies to stay ahead of attackers.
Recognizing various forms of fraud across diverse banking transactions, including online banking scams, identity theft, credit card fraud, and money laundering.
Implementing ethical and legal practices in banking operations. This ensures compliance and prevents reputational damage.
Implementing effective controls, proactive monitoring, and robust security measures to minimize fraud risks.
Overall, TIOB's efforts will contribute to Tanzania's financial system becoming more secure.
2. New Accelerator to Support the Rise of Climate Technology in Tanzania
ClimAcelerator, a global program designed to empower startups developing and scaling climate-friendly solutions, is closing its application window for Tanzanian participants today, December 10th. Locally implemented by Sahara Ventures with support from Irish Aid, the Elico Foundation, and the Center for Energy, Environment, Science, and Technology (CEEST), ClimAcelerator offers an invaluable opportunity for local eco-innovators to accelerate their impact.
Participants will benefit from expert guidance, tailored workshops, and networking opportunities with key stakeholders. As a result, it can propel ‘founder growth’ and contribute to Tanzania's sustainable development trajectory.
The program welcomes all startups less than three years old that have developed a minimum viable product or service addressing climate change challenges in Tanzania. Whether focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or circular economy solutions, ClimAcelerator supports ventures with the potential to create a positive environmental impact.
3. Innoversity Project Bridges the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Sahara Ventures and the French Embassy in Tanzania, through their flagship Innoversity Project, facilitated a crucial dialogue between the university and the private sector.
"While we have a talented pool of students on campus, we acknowledge the value of external expertise in shaping their future careers,” highlighted Dr. Doreen Ndosi, Director of Technology Transfer at SUA. “Insights from the private sector will be crucial in improving our curriculum and teaching methods.”
Innoversity’s broader goal is to integrate innovation and entrepreneurial approaches within academic frameworks at SUA and the University of Iringa.
4. Founders Visit Algeria
Six promising Tanzanian startups participated in the prestigious African Startup Conference 2023. Thanks to the generous support of event organizer Algeria Venture, the Government of Tanzania, and the Algerian Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises.
These startups, all part of the prestigious Sahara Accelerator program, showcased their innovative solutions to a diverse audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.
The participating startups were:
Laina Finance: A digital lender.
Dawa Mkononi: A B2B medicine e-commerce platform improving the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Kilimo Maendelo (kilimo.io): An agri-fintech startup.
QuickiePay: A mobile payment platform simplifying financial transactions for individuals and businesses.
Settlo: A digital platform empowering SMEs with tools for growth and efficiency.
Kilimo Fresh: A fresh produce marketplace connecting farmers directly to consumers. It facilitates the development of a fair and efficient food supply chain.
5. NBC Goes Beyond Remittances
NBC Tanzania launched its Twiga Diaspora Banking proposition in Gaborone, Botswana. The event, which was held on December 9th, was attended by a delegation of NBC Tanzania executives, Tanzanian diaspora professionals in Botswana, and local government officials.
Twiga Diaspora Banking is a suite of financial products and services designed to meet the unique needs of the Tanzanian diaspora. The proposition may include a variety of features, such as competitive exchange rates and transfer fees, multilingual customer support; access to savings accounts, loans, and investments.
"The diaspora is more than a network; it's a powerhouse of potential," said Abel Kaseko, NBC Tanzania's Head of Products and Sales. "We are dedicated to more than just connections; we are passionate about empowering the African community." This mode of financial inclusion creates a stronger remittance market.
Remittances are the money sent home by migrant workers. And they play a crucial role in the lives of millions of Tanzanians. In 2020, Tanzania received $400 million from the diaspora. This financial assistance has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities.
6. Bone Marrow Transplant Costs Family Sh175 Million
New sickle cell disease (SCD) therapies have been approved in the United States, but they are likely to be out of reach in Tanzania and other African countries where they are most needed. In addition, there is a lack of infrastructure and expertise. As such, even if we had the money to pay for these therapies, we can't deliver them to patients right now.
For example, Shani Juma, a Tanzanian mother has twins, Ramadhani and Nasra Rajab, who both require bone marrow transplants. She has pleaded for USD 70,000 for their treatment at Fortis Hospital.
In that light, Dr. Daima Bukini, Principal Investigator of the Sickle Cell Advanced Therapy Programme (Sickle CHARTA), based at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), is leading efforts to establish bone marrow transplants and gene therapy in the country.
Currently, the Dodoma-based Benjamin Mkapa Hospital is the sole provider of SCD treatment, led by Dr. Stella Malangahe and her team. As a result, patients like Shani’s twins are mostly restricted to expensive medical tourism in India.
7. UDSM Encourages Development of Mineral Processing Hubs in Africa
On December 6th, tech experts gathered in Dodoma, to discuss maximizing value in African mining. Nordic Africa Institute and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) hosted the event. And featured keynote speaker Abel Kinyondo, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Development Economics at UDSM. Mercy Masanga, a friend and Grant Thornton Associate, took some notes for us all!
During the dialogue, Prof. Kinyondo emphasized the significant contribution of artisanal miners to the African mining sector and advocated for strategies beyond simply optimizing the supply chain. He also stressed the need for Africa to develop regional material processing hubs, rather than exporting raw materials.
8. ‘Tesla for Homes and Industries’ Startup is Ready for Business
LUKU CHAP, a Tanzanian startup, is developing industrial and household smart energy meters that could transform energy management in the country. Its meter is designed to monitor household appliances and provide real-time data on energy consumption. This data can be used to identify areas where energy can be saved and to develop strategies for improving energy access and efficiency.
In a recent LinkedIn post, LUKU CHAP co-founder Eng. Elisha Kato announced that they have successfully commenced indoor testing of its smart energy meter. They connected the meter to a fridge and a high-wattage lamp, and the results have been "magnificent." Kato and his team are now preparing to begin commercial production of their minimum viable product (MVP). The startup is seeking partnerships with energy companies and other stakeholders.
END
That's all for this week's Tanzanian tech news! There are no fancy intros or conclusions today. Have a productive new week. And don't forget to read my Silicon Bongo column in The Citizen on Tuesday.
KAZI IENDELEE