Tanzanian Tech Highlights: March 2024
A roundup of last month's biggest stories
Here's your March recap of key developments within Tanzania's innovation ecosystem, also known as Silicon Bongo.
I. Week 1: Mar 1-2
The Tanzania Fintech Association (TAFINA) launches officially, focused on partnerships for financial inclusion, and seeks engagement manager plus admin officer.
Tanzanian healthtech startup TanzMED selected for the prestigious HealthTech Hub Accelerator (HTHA) program, gaining access to resources and a global network for growth.
BizyTech receives GSMA Innovation Fund award for its digital agriculture platform KILIMO BaNDO, which offers a range of solutions to support farmers in improving productivity and sustainability.
II. Week 2: Mar 3–9
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) develops commercially viable tilapia vaccine, strengthening Tanzania's aquaculture industry and attracting potential research partnerships.
ClimAccelerator bootcamp selects 10 Tanzanian green startups for further support, showcasing innovative solutions in agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy.
Government mandates its e-procurement system to improve transparency and efficiency in development project spending.
Tanzania ranks second in Africa for cybersecurity, driven by ICTC initiatives, indicating a growing market for secure online services and tech-enabled business solutions.
SAG’s SmartLab renews its partnership with Stanford’s Seed Spark Program for 2024, expanding support for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Sahara Ventures and Serengeti Bytes host former Google executive Graham Bednash for a workshop emphasizing clear communication and branding strategies for Tanzanian startups.
III. Week 3: Mar 10-16
NM-AIST researchers develop AI-powered smartphone app to combat banana diseases, offering potential benefits for food security and smallholder farmers.
Digital tax policy shows early signs of success, with nearly USD 5 million collected in two years. The TRA is actively exploring ways to capture a greater share of the digital economy, including revenue from online advertising and B2B transactions.
UNDP launches TZS 250 million innovation challenge, seeking energy efficiency solutions and offering potential funding for selected startups.
TSA offers virtual business development webinars for early-stage startups, including upcoming session on attracting investment.
Tigo Pesa (Honora Tanzania Mobile Solutions Ltd.) announces job openings across product development, project management, and quality assurance.
IV. Week 4: Mar 17–23
Judicial Services Commission (JSC) adopts AI system to streamline hiring process, potentially impacting legal sector and opening opportunities for AI-focused startups.
Tanzania makes progress in digital TV transition and postal services, creating opportunities in content production, subscription management, and logistics.
Positive economic data released by the government spokesperson indicates market growth and stability, attracting potential investment and entrepreneurship.
New appointments to Tanzania's TCRA board could lead to changes in telecom regulation, impacting startups in the digital and fintech sectors.
TSA set to release its second Ecosystem Status Report, offering insights into funding, sector growth, and regulation.
Neurotech hosts generative AI meetup, indicating interest in advanced technologies within Dar's tech community.
V. Week 5: Mar 24–30
Healthcare conference highlights the need for digital solutions like electronic medical records (EMRs) to improve service delivery and achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
Vodacom and CRDB launch smartphone financing plan, aiming to improve digital inclusion and expand mobile data customer base.
DCB Commercial Bank introduces app to improve financial services for VICOBA members, expanding financial inclusion efforts.
Education Ministry and Airtel launch SmartWasomi project to bring digital tools and resources to 3,000 schools, addressing learning material shortages.
SUA launches value-added initiative to commercialize medicinal plant-based skin treatment, creating market opportunities for farmers.
Partnership aims to improve cassava production through technology transfer and guaranteed Chinese market, supporting government agricultural goals.
ZIC and Tigo Pesa collaborate to make insurance products accessible through mobile money, expanding service reach and aligning with financial inclusion goals.