This Week in Tanzanian Tech [Apr 6-12, 2025]
Ten important updates
We’re back with the week that was.
In this edition, we break down Techsoko’s IT e-commerce site, Flashnet’s partnership with Zoho, and EWURA’s new report.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
This edition comes to you with support from the Zanzibar Tech & Investment Summit.
The event returns for its second edition on July 3-5 at Fumba Town’s Pavilion Rooftop.
Click here to register, or contact +255 679 414 220 for sponsorship details.
FIRST, WATCH THIS
When Cybergen virtually brought the global storytelling expert Hari Shankar PR to Tanzania, uninformed participants expected communication tips.
What they received instead were two hours of strategic frameworks that have helped Microsoft and Google partners win multimillion-dollar deals.
Shankar’s contrast framing technique will help you position current challenges against future opportunities to secure resources and support.
1. Techsoko Expands Product Range
First, some context.
Techsoko sells technology hardware and software to Tanzanian businesses through both online and physical channels.
Launched in 2022, the company focuses exclusively on professional gadgets and enterprise technology needs.
The catalog.
Techsoko recently expanded to eight product categories: telecom, wireless equipment, video conferencing, networking, firewalls, enterprise systems, access control, and consumer devices.
The platform stocks specialized equipment not readily available from consumer-focused retailers in Tanzania.
Fact.
The company carries over 30 international brands, with particular depth in networking and security equipment.
What’s ahead?
Operating from Haidery Plaza in Dar es Salaam, Techsoko continues building inventory of specialized business tech while maintaining physical stock for immediate delivery.
2. Flashnet Helps Businesses Cut Costs with Zoho Solution
First, some context.
Dar-based IT company Flashnet is seeing more Tanzanian enterprises turn to Zoho’s cloud software as an alternative to expensive Western platforms.
As an authorized Zoho partner, Flashnet handles all the technical setup and training that would otherwise require specialized in-house teams.
The services.
Flashnet implements all Zoho products, including the comprehensive Zoho One business suite, custom application builder (Zoho Creator), customer management tool (Zoho CRM), support desk software, accounting system (Zoho Books), and team collaboration platform (Zoho Projects).
The company configures these systems to work reliably with Tanzania’s internet infrastructure and business practices.
Fact.
Flashnet accepts payments in Tanzanian shillings instead of dollars.
Zoho can save enterprises over Sh18 million yearly compared to using Google or Microsoft products.
What’s ahead?
For businesses looking to move beyond basic spreadsheets and expensive software platforms, Flashnet provides the technical expertise to set up and maintain modern business systems without building an internal IT department.
3. Tanzania’s Power Grid Expands, Customer Connections Near 5 Million
First, some context.
Tanzania’s power sector grew substantially last year, with customer connections increasing by 559,595 to reach nearly 5 million, according to EWURA’s latest annual report.
The growth coincides with major infrastructure expansion as the Julius Nyerere hydropower project began feeding 940 MW into the national grid.
The improvements.
Power outages decreased significantly nationwide, with average interruption frequency dropping 48% and outage duration falling 64% compared to the previous year.
The transmission network expanded by 674 km, now totaling 7,524 km, while four new grid substations were added to strengthen power distribution.
Fact.
Natural gas remains Tanzania's primary electricity source (67.1%), followed by hydropower (32.4%), but the generation mix is changing as new renewable projects come online.
What’s ahead?
The regulator approved 27 new power purchase agreements in 2023/24, primarily for solar and hydro projects that will add 332 MW of capacity once completed.
Meanwhile, TANESCO continues developing four major generation projects totaling 2,235 MW to meet Tanzania’s growing power demand, which increased by 11.9% last year alone.
Ramani Partners with TCB
Supply chain finance startup Ramani signed an agreement with the Tanzania Commercial Bank on April 8. Together, they will expand credit access for local distributors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
TCB becomes the second institutional capital provider on Ramani’s digital financial marketplace after Stanbic Bank.
DART Seeks Tech Partners for Bus Stations
The Dar Rapid Transit Agency opened applications on April 8 for businesses to install digital screens, ATMs, and vending machines at Mbagala Terminal and 20 other BRT stations.
The program covers both the Kilwa and Kawawa Road corridors, with parking payment systems and retail technology also needed. Interested companies must apply by April 30 with business plans and proof of funding.
Local Company Creates Digital Shilling
Tanzanian fintech startup NEDA Labs opened early access registration on April 12 for TSHC, a cryptocurrency pegged 1:1 to the Tanzanian shilling.
This blockchain-powered token promises sub-1% transaction fees compared to traditional 6-10% rates, with instant cross-border transfers and merchant payment capabilities.
Initial integration includes connections to major mobile money platforms, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Halopesa.
TCRA Hosts Robotics Training
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority coordinated a four-day STEM bootcamp ending April 11 for primary school students at Kambarage and Ligula public schools in Mtwara.
Participants designed soil analysis systems, smart irrigation solutions, assistive devices for the visually impaired, and automated lighting systems.
The initiative, organized with Projekt Inspire, aims to encourage girls’ participation in technology ahead of the International Girls in ICT Day (April 25).
OTR Launches Digital Dashboard
The Office of the Treasury Registrar has rolled out a centralized monitoring system to track the performance of Tanzania’s 308 public entities.
The platform provides real-time data visualization of the Sh86.29 trillion government investment portfolio, which increased by 27% from 2021 to 2024.
Officials now access customized reports showing specific productivity metrics and financial health indicators across all government-affiliated institutions.
Ennovate Announces Tech Event
Startup accelerator Ennovate is gearing up for its Investors Mixer in Dar. It aims to bring together funders, founders, and ecosystem enablers.
The event follows last year’s successful format at Coral Beach Hotel that connected capital-seeking startups with financial institutions and development partners, including Germany’s economic cooperation ministry and DEG Impulse.
School Hosts Tech Panel
Four technology entrepreneurs conducted a practical skills workshop at Dar es Salaam International Academy (DIA) last week. They demonstrated technical learning approaches to high school students.
The panel emphasized systematic methods for mastering new digital skills through targeted content consumption, introducing students to cloud communications concepts and entrepreneurial thinking.