This Week in Tanzanian Tech [Mar 9-15]
Five important updates
We’re back with the week that was. In this edition, we spotlight three transformative trends shaping Tanzania’s business scene.
AI-powered customer engagement solutions are elevating service quality in banking and telecom sectors.
World-class business storytelling expertise is arriving to improve local executives and professionals’ communication.
Strategic consolidation in the educational technology space is addressing quality gaps across the country.
Read on.
Google & Microsoft’s Storytelling Coach to Deliver Free Masterclass via Cybergen
First, some context.
Cybergen, Tanzania’s leading IT training provider, will host a free masterclass on business storytelling with internationally sought-after expert Hari Shankar PR on March 27, 2025.
Hari brings 24 years of business leadership and strategic expertise to Tanzania. His storytelling frameworks have transformed executive communication at global giants including Microsoft, Google, JP Morgan, and KPMG.
The masterclass.
“ABC of Business Storytelling: The Gateway to Infinite Influence” will deliver two hours of high-impact training on narrative techniques that drive tangible business outcomes.
Participants will learn how to transform complex ideas into compelling stories that influence decision-makers—the same methodologies Shankar uses to help Fortune 500 executives secure multimillion-dollar deals. His approach has contributed to Microsoft Partner of the Year and Google Cloud Partner of the Year recognitions.
Fact.
When a CEO explains a complex strategy and teams immediately understand what to do, that’s storytelling at work. When a team lead gets budget approval while others don't, storytelling made the difference.
When a technical specialist earns recognition over equally qualified peers, it happens through storytelling. Across organizations, it’s rarely the person with the most data who gets heard—it's the one who frames information in a way that moves people to act.
What’s ahead?
The virtual masterclass runs from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM EAT on March 27th. Registration closes on April 8th with limited spots allocated on a first-come basis.
Cybergen has organized this rare opportunity as part of its commitment to bringing global professional development opportunities to Tanzania.
Register Now: ABC of Business Storytelling Masterclass March 27, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM EAT | Virtual Event | Free Access—Limited Spots
Exotel Modernizes Call Centers
First, some context.
Cloud communications provider Exotel recently showcased its customer engagement AI platform at Johari Rotana in Dar es Salaam.
The company, which processes over 20 billion conversations annually, presented solutions focused on human-AI collaboration rather than full automation.
Leading banks including NMB, CRDB, and Exim; insurance providers like Jubilee Allianz, telecom operators including Vodacom, and fintech companies like Selcom participated in the executive event that included panel discussions and awards.
The technology.
Exotel’s platform analyzes customer interactions across voice calls, chat, and WhatsApp to extract insights while allowing human agents to focus on complex issues.
The system summarizes customer histories, identifies conversation patterns, and helps service agents understand needs better. Unlike full automation, Exotel emphasized an approach where AI assists rather than replaces customer service representatives.
“We should not put machines to talk, yet,” noted a company executive during the presentation. “Our problems are different from the West. Use AI to make humans better, not replace them.”
Fact.
NMB Bank handles over 200 customer service calls monthly across their 7-8 million customer base with capacity to analyze only 60% of those conversations for actionable insights.
What’s ahead?
Exotel, in collaboration with local partner Flashnet, is rolling out initial implementations with Azam Media, focusing first on conversation analysis before introducing more advanced features.
The company recommends organizations begin with AI tools that support human agents with conversation summaries and sentiment analysis.
Those tools can be followed by potential expansion into automated response suggestions and selective voice automation for routine inquiries like balance checks and service status updates.
Ekima Forms From Merger of Two Tanzanian EdTech Companies
First, some context.
Ekima Interactive Company Limited officially launched on March 14, bringing together the capabilities of SmartDarasa and SmartCore Enterprise.
These two established Tanzanian edtech startups created the new venture to address quality education gaps across the country.
Both SmartCore and SmartDarasa have been operating actively since 2017. Together, they have previously reached over 500,000 learners across multiple countries.
The partnership.
The newly formed company secured a 300M contract to pilot an interactive e-learning platform in February 2025, just weeks after beginning merger talks in December 2024 and formalizing the partnership in January.
Ekima’s approach combines videos, 2D, 3D, AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and big data analytics to make learning more engaging. Their market research included surveys from over 250 teachers across Tanzania, revealing specific needs for interactive content that aligns with the national curriculum.
“Going forward, the previous companies are going to wind down as we consolidate operations under Ekima,” explains Kusiluka Justice, CSO of Ekima. “This merger allows us to combine resources and tackle larger projects together.”
Fact.
More than 300 school owners have already signed up for Ekima’s services, demonstrating strong initial market traction even before formal operations begin.
What’s ahead?
Ekima is shifting focus to B2B and B2G markets with a spillover to B2C, contrary to the founding companies' previous approaches.
The Ekima B2C platform for public use may be available starting third quarter 2025. The company is finalizing an MoU with an organization overseeing 1,000+ schools in East Africa that will impact 350,000+ students and teachers.
Ekima is currently open to discussions with investors to help achieve these goals and can be reached at hello@ekima.africa.
ADDITIONAL HEADLINES
Mwanga Hakika Bank Launches NextGen Program
MHB, formed from the 2019 merger of three financial institutions, opened applications on March 10 for its one-year training initiative targeting recent university graduates from all backgrounds.
The bank, which manages Sh325.8 billion in assets across seven branches, seeks candidates from all backgrounds. It currently employs 151 staff, up from 124 last year.
Applications require registration through MHB’s career portal with CV and transcript submissions.
Medikea Partners with Nilax to Improve Home Healthcare
The healthtech startup announced on March 14 its partnership to strengthen in-home patient care across Tanzania. This collaboration combines Nilax’s six years of home care expertise with Medikea’s digital health platform.
Medikea has served over 10,000 Tanzanians through its hybrid telemedicine and physical clinic model, offering services at nearly half the cost of alternatives.
The company received funding from Catalyst Fund in February 2024 and secured $200,000 from Madica’s investment program in February 2025.
Keep up with Tanzania's tech sector through our weekly roundup.
For advertising opportunities or to submit news for consideration, contact yousra@atomsandbits.co.tz or +255 778 578 801.