This Week in Tanzanian Tech [Mar 10-16]
Taxing Big Tech, AI for bananas, and four other important headlines.
The Tanzania Startup Association (TSA), as part of its Startup Growth Boost project, is hosting a series of informative webinars this March. The virtual sessions focus on essential skills for early-stage startups, with expert facilitators covering crucial topics in business development. On March 25th, TSA will feature Investment Banker Salum Awadh, who will cover topics such as how startups can prepare for investment and how to attract investors. TSA’s webinar series kicked off with a successful session on "Entrepreneurial Mindset" facilitated by Mr. Omary Mwaimu, Executive Director of the Amsha Institute of Rural Entrepreneurship.
Tanzania has made progress in implementing its digital tax policy. It collected USD 4.9 million from non-resident tech companies between February 2022 and February 2024. This revenue includes both income tax and value-added tax. In addition, the TRA is actively identifying avenues to optimize revenue from online advertising, search engines, and other digital services. Discussions are also underway to include business-to-business (B2B) transactions within the digital tax framework. TRA aims to integrate systems with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and Tanzania Communications Regulation Authority (TCRA). This could streamline tax collection processes. And affect how digital economy startups report or pay taxes.
Arusha-based researchers, Christian Elinisa and Dr. Neema Mduma, have developed a smartphone app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify two devastating banana diseases: Fusarium Wilt and Black Sigatoka. According to a new research paper, the app is over 90% accurate and can detect diseases within seconds. It also provides farmers with instructions on how to manage their plant conditions. This technology could help banana farmers in developing economies to minimize losses and contribute to food security. It also indicates there is a market demand for dependable, low-cost crop monitoring tools for smallholder farmers. However, potential commercialization challenges include low smartphone penetration and lack of reliable internet in most rural areas.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tanzania launched an energy efficiency innovation challenge. It’s worth TZS 250 million and will last three years. Thanks to support from the Ministry of Energy, the European Union (EU), and the Ireland Embassy. The challenge seeks to address Tanzania's Energy Efficiency Action Plan with creative solutions that reduce unsustainable energy consumption while promoting environmental responsibility. 20 finalists will participate in an expert-led boot camp and receive ongoing mentorship. However, only 10 innovators will receive grants of up to TZS 25 million to develop their projects.
The 4th Season of Women's Industrial Awards, held on March 16th in Dar es Salaam, recognized outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs driving Tanzania's economic growth. The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) hosted the event, which was potentially supported by TradeMark Africa. Guest of Honor, Minister of State in the President's Office - Planning and Investment (PoPI), Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, highlighted research showing women excel in business compared to men. He urged the TWCC to develop strategies formalizing women-owned businesses to support their growth. Studies indicate women possess superior financial management skills and are key players in international trade. On the other hand, TWCC Chairperson Mercy Sila emphasized the organization's nationwide reach in supporting women entrepreneurs. Sila also acknowledged improved market access for Tanzanian products both locally and internationally. Thanks to economic diplomacy efforts by the current female-led government.
Tigo Pesa (legally known as Honora Tanzania Mobile Solutions Limited) announced vacancies for five positions. These are: Business Solutions Architect, Project Manager, UI/UX and Front-end Developer, Product Manager, and Products Quality Assurance Officer. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by March 25th. Out of Tanzania's 51.7 million mobile money subscriptions, Tigo Pesa held a 30% share in September 2023. Vodacom M-Pesa led the market with a 37% share