1.
EdTech startup ChemCheemi has launched Tanzania's first audio-based learning platform designed for primary schoolchildren ages 4–14.
Its hardware and software system helps children learn important skills like reading (letter sounds), math (through counting), and creative thinking (via STEM activities) in a fun and interactive way.
The CheemiPlayer is currently available for purchase by parents in Mwanza City.
2.
Seede XR (a startup founded in December 2022 by the lead developer at OnaStories Group) has announced the development of a new mixed-reality chemistry lab experience. This simulation prototype allows students to safely perform experiments like volumetric analysis using digital versions of lab equipment like burettes and pipettes in a real-world setting.
It is designed to be a more accessible and engaging way for students to learn chemistry concepts compared to traditional labs. Seede’s flagship product, called “C-Section VR Simulation,” gives medical students and experts a risk-free way to practice complex surgical procedures.
Its realistic, immersive environment provides valuable hands-on experience for those training or operating in Africa, where surgical equipment is limited (Oosting, R.M., et al., 2019).
3.
The 7th Sarufi Generative AI Meet-Up & Hackathon brought together coders interested in artificial intelligence (AI) that can understand and generate Swahili text.
Participants had the opportunity to work with recently developed large language models like Swahili Gemma and Swahili Llma, thanks to the work of Dr. Michael Mollel.
Teams competed to deploy those LLMs in new ways, such as answering legal questions. Event sponsors included PrisTech (an IT services provider), CameLabs (a Dar-based advanced research studio), and the Tanzania Data Lab.
This hackathon showcased the country’s growing expertise in AI and its potential to be used in Swahili, a language spoken by over 200 million people.
4.
Preparations for the 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF 2024), also known as Saba Saba, are well underway. The event will take place from June 28th to July 13th at the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds.
Organizers, including the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), report that 50% of exhibition spaces have already been booked with two months remaining. That impressive early response is attributed to strong promotional efforts by Tanzanian embassies and President Samia Hassan's recent international visits.
The DITF attracts businesses and investors from across Tanzania, East Africa, and globally. Over 3,500 local companies, 200 foreign companies, and representatives from 26 countries participated in the 2023 exhibition. Key sectors represented include agriculture, technology, manufacturing, construction, and energy.
5.
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has issued a new circular revising fees for outgoing interbank transfers, effective May 1st.
The circular caps these fees at a maximum of TZS 2,000, representing a significant reduction from the previous TZS 10,000 limit. This change aims to promote affordability and drive the adoption of a cashless economy.
While banks may see a drop in transaction-related income, the increased volume of transactions could potentially offset this loss. It may also lessen reliance on mobile network operator (MNO) transfers, which often incur higher fees.
6.
Tigo (which has a 27% telecom market share) and the state-owned Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) have partnered to launch Kikoba.
The new digital savings tool is designed for groups, including friends, family, and existing VICOBA (Village Community Banks). Kikoba aims to provide a secure, convenient, and transparent alternative to traditional savings methods.
Its key features include easy management of group savings (via Tigo Pesa’s USSD code, *150*01#). Members can track their contributions, withdrawals, and overall group balance at any time. All funds are stored securely in TCB accounts. The tool has cross-MNO compatibility, where members from different mobile networks can participate and contribute seamlessly (via the TCB partner menu, *150*21#).
Kikoba is similar to M-Koba, another digital group savings platform that TCB launched in partnership with Vodacom Tanzania.
The Tanzania Commercial Bank was founded as the Tanganyika Postal Office Savings Bank (TPOSB) in 1925.
7.
On April 27th, Tanzanian startup Larven, held its "DevOps Dive" hackathon at Binary Labs in Dar es Salaam.
The event was all about making software development faster and smoother. Participants worked in teams to solve real-world problems using DevOps, which are a set of practices that help developers and IT operations teams collaborate more effectively.
DevOps helps teams deliver new software and updates more quickly, so users can benefit from them sooner. It also streamlines the process of making changes to software. Thus reducing the risk of problems and delays.
Selcom sponsored this hackathon, indicating its commitment to empowering the Tanzanian tech community beyond providing payments infrastructure.
At the same time, the University of Dar es Salaam's network engineering club hosted a "NetOps" workshop.
NetOps is like DevOps, but focused on optimizing how computer networks function, especially in organizations.
These events show Tanzanian developers are looking for ways to improve efficiency in all aspects of technology.