This Week in Tanzanian Tech [Dec 10-16, 2023]
10 important headlines, expert opinions, startups, and jobs.
Welcome to the 34th roundup of Tanzania's innovation ecosystem.
This week, we're happy to have TanzMED as our sponsor! Founded in 2017, they're a primary healthcare app powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that's helped over 260,000 patients. And on December 9th, they announced a 10-member advisory board to guide their work.
Want to know more about TanzMED? You can read my case study from May, which talks about how they started, what they do, and how they've made a difference.
OUTLINE
Now that we've set the stage, let's jump into the six-chapter digest.
We'll start with some contrarian advice, then count down the biggest news stories. After that, we've got promising startups to watch, and even some awesome job openings.
There's also a little something from Atoms & Bits that might be worth your attention at the end.
So, relax and enjoy the ride!
I. QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Ajay Ramasubramaniam, Founder CEO of Startup Réseau and its Africa-focused subsidiary, Hindsight Ventures, urges entrepreneurs and tech pros to ditch the comfort of strategy and consulting.
Get your hands dirty. From Ajay’s pen this week:
“If you can build it, someone has to sell it. And that someone is you.”
“Sales is the real deal, it is the engine room of any business. Closing deals has a 'high' of its own. It's fun. Always keep selling.”
“The best way to grow and scale any company is by selling more.”
II. HEADLINES
1. Government to Establish Center for Digital Health
On December 14, health sector stakeholders from across Tanzania met in the capital city Dodoma to discuss the ‘operationalization and sustainability plan’ for the country’s first Center for Digital Health (CDH). The CDH is a government-led initiative that aims to improve healthcare delivery in Tanzania by utilizing digital technology.
The workshop was attended by representatives from development partners, the public sector, as well as academic and research institutions. Also in attendance were leaders of health facilities, civil society organizations, and health-tech startups.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on how the center will be funded, staffed, and managed.
Tanzania's first CDH is being developed with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Embassy of Switzerland, Fondation Botnar, and PATH. I hope it will enable the country to integrate tech-enabled medicine into its public health system.
News Source: Dr. Felix Sukums, cofounder of Muhimbili University’s Digital Health and Innovation Research Group (mDHIRG).
2. NMB Bank Secures TZS 400 Bn for Green & Social Initiatives
Tanzania’s second-largest bank, NMB, raised TZS 400 billion in a bond sale. The amount is more than thrice its initial target when the bond was opened in September. NMB Bank announced these results at a ceremony to list its Jamii Bond on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) on December 12. Attendants included British Ambassador to Tanzania David Concar; and Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President's Office - Planning and Investment.
NMB sold its latest fixed-income investment offering in two tranches: 212.9 billion in Tanzanian shillings and 73 million in U.S. dollars. It signifies the bank increased investor confidence.
Did You Know? In 2022, NMB registered TZS 607 billion in profit before tax, the highest in the history of Tanzania’s banking sector.
According to NMB Bank, money raised through its Jamii bond will be used to provide affordable loans for sustainable projects in five main sub-sectors. These are renewable energy; environmental protection and pollution control; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); climate change adaptation; and affordable housing. It will also fund ventures supporting women or youth to access quality education and healthcare.
"We're pleased to partner with NMB Bank once again on a successful capital raise, with a remarkable 284% bond performance,” revealed Evans Osano, the Director of Financial Markets at FSD Africa. “It underscores African capital markets' potential to mobilize local currency finance at scale for sustainability.”
In my September roundup of Silicon Bongo, I detailed the math behind Jamii and its competitor, CRDB Bank's Jasiri Bond.
3. JKCI Goes Beyond Open Heart Surgery
A surgical team at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has achieved a breakthrough! They performed East Africa’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
This minimally invasive procedure offers new hope for patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart's lower left chamber narrows and restricts blood flow.
Dr. Khuzeima Khanbai, an interventional cardiologist at the Institute, shared the exciting news on December 13, praising everyone involved: "Big up to the executive director Dr. Peter Kisenge and the whole team of doctors, nurses, anesthetists, cardiothoracic surgeons, technicians, and support staff for this milestone!"
TAVR is more beneficial compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Particularly, it reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time. In addition, it is suitable for older patients.
4. AfDB greenlights $696 million for Tanzania-Burundi rail, unlocking regional trade and nickel boom
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $696 million to fund the construction of a 650-kilometer railway line in Tanzania and Burundi. The project is expected to boost trade, create jobs, and improve access to critical resources.
Here's the nitty-gritty:
Project name: Phase II of the Joint Tanzania-Burundi-DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Catchy, right?
The route: Three sections – 411km from Tabora to Kigoma (Tanzania), and 156km from Uvinza to Malagarasi (Tanzania). Plus, 84 km from Malagarasi to Musongati (Burundi) connecting to the existing Tanzanian network and Dar es Salaam port.
The cash: AfDB's throwing $98.62 million at Burundi (grants) and $597.79 million at Tanzania (loans and guarantees). But that's not all – they're also playing matchmaker, wooing commercial banks, investors, and other financiers to cough up an extra $3.2 billion. Total? Almost $4 billion!
The benefits: Cross-border trade will skyrocket, opening doors for farmers, miners, and manufacturers. No more bumpy truck rides – efficient, cost-effective bulk transport is on the horizon. The railway will also unlock Burundi's massive nickel reserves (10th biggest in the world!), generating serious revenue and boosting the national GDP. Plus, it'll create jobs, improve access to markets, and make the whole region more resilient.
Why this matters: This ain't just about trains. This is about connecting people and economies. The SGR aligns with the East African Community's Rail Master Plan, the African Union's development goals, and AfDB's own "Integrate Africa" and "Industrialize Africa" priorities. It's a pathbreaker for Tanzania and Burundi. And a shining example of how infrastructure can drive progress.
So, what's next? Construction is already underway for the Dodoma-Tabora section in Tanzania. With AfDB's green light and the Musongati-Malagarasi-Tabora section prepped for tender, the rest of the tracks are soon to be laid. Get ready for a better East Africa.
5. Can Unused TV Waves Bring Broadband to Tanzania's Rural Millions?
Jabhera Matogoro, PhD., is set to revive his doctoral research on utilizing television white space (TVWS) spectrum for digital terrestrial television (DTT).
Whaat?
It's like finding empty channels on a TV and using them for something else, like connecting people online. Upon commercialization, the TVWS will connect schools and communities to the internet. So, forget Elon's Starlink. At least for now.
Dr. Matogoro's research isn't just theoretical. He's already built a testbed in Kondoa, a rural town in central Tanzania, where he's putting TVWS to the test. Recently, he received a prestigious visit from Dr. Hosang Yoo, a renowned expert in the field, who was impressed by the project's potential.
"We were honored to have Dr. Yoo visit our testbed in Kondoa," Dr. Matogoro shared on LinkedIn. "We also discussed plans to revive the project (and bring it to scale)."
This isn't Dr. Matogoro's first rodeo in the fight for digital inclusion. He's a long-time lecturer at the University of Dodoma College of Informatics and Virtual Education (CIVE), where he's helping to shape the next generation of tech talent. He's also the Coordinator for Infrastructure and Data at the AI4D African Anglophone, a multidisciplinary lab dedicated to using artificial intelligence for development on the continent.
And if that wasn't enough, Dr. Matogoro is also the Principal Investigator of a COSTECH-funded project that's using AI to improve mental health care in Tanzania.
What's next?
With Dr. Yoo's expertise and the continued commitment of Dr. Matogoro, the research is poised for a successful comeback. We can expect to see further development and testing of the TV white space technology, potentially leading to pilot deployments in several rural areas of Tanzania.
Imagine smart classrooms, remote villages accessing digital healthcare, and farmers empowered by market data.
6. TSA Tackles Formalization Hurdle with New Initiative
The Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) is launching the "Startup Growth Boost" project. It’s a 6-month support program running from December 2023 to May 2024, designed to help startups like yours thrive.
What support?
Formalization: Free company registration, TIN applications, and business licenses! They'll handle the red tape so you can focus on your business.
Industry connections: Meet crucial private and public sector partners to expand your network and access resources.
Who's eligible?
Early-stage startups, even at the ideation phase.
Unregistered businesses with innovative income models and strong growth potential.
Located in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza, Arusha, Morogoro, Dodoma, Iringa, or Zanzibar.
Open to regulatory compliance and formalization.
What's in it for you?
Get your business officially registered for free.
Connect with valuable partners and resources.
Scale your business and reach new heights.
How do you apply?
Fill out the application form before the deadline of 31st December 2023, 11:59 PM.
8. Tanzania Wins Satellite Orbit
The government has won a spot in the geostationary orbit for the use of satellites. This achievement is one of the results of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC23).
The orbit is 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's equator. It is the circle of choice for satellites that provide telecommunications services, such as television, radio, and internet.
Tanzania's slot is located at 16 degrees west longitude of the geostationary orbit. The slot is currently used by a satellite operated by the African Union, but it will be available for Tanzania's use in 2024.
III. STARTUPS OF THE WEEK
Ngata Homes: A rent-to-own real estate marketplace.
Dare Impact: Prevents malaria through the production of a cost-effective mosquito repellent.
IV. STARTUP JOBS
Silabu, the Acumen-backed app where students learn from each other and get excellent tutoring, is on the hunt for a Content Creator, Growth Lead, Marketing Manager, and Head of Learning. You can apply by the turn of 2024 and become part of a leading startup in peer-to-peer learning and on-demand tutoring.
A Ghanaian startup, operating in stealth and looking to expand in Tanzania, is also hiring a marketing manager. Please extend your interest in the position here. It’s ideal for professionals with entry to mid-level experience in running hybrid marketing campaigns. The position will involve much travel to events and media appearances. You’ll also serve as the startup's representative in Tanzania.
VI. CONCLUSION
And that’s a wrap for December 10–16. What’s coming in the week before Christmas? Please return to see, or subscribe to know it straight in your inbox before social media circulation of the roundups.
That's all there is to December 10-16. What can you expect in the final week before Christmas? Stay tuned to find out, or subscribe for a direct delivery to your inbox. All before social media catches up on our next roundup.
Before you leave…
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Kazi Iendelee.