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Tanzania’s startup landscape is experiencing remarkable momentum, with the number of active ventures growing by 24 per cent in the past year, surpassing 1,000 enterprises. This rapid expansion is largely attributed to the strong support system established by over 95 local organisations that offer structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to early-stage startups.
This coordinated ecosystem has bolstered operational capabilities and accelerated growth, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, financial technology (fintech), healthcare, and e-commerce. These areas are increasingly seen as vital for driving inclusive economic development and technological progress in the country.
Speaking at the Nordic Week 2025 innovation event held in Dar es Salaam, Finland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Theresa Zitting, commended Tanzania’s ongoing digital transformation and the dynamism of its entrepreneurial community. We are living in a time of profound global change, and it’s exciting to see how Tanzania is embracing this momentum, Ambassador Zitting stated.
She emphasised that successful startup ecosystems around the world are not built on one-size-fits-all solutions but on strong foundations of collaboration and communication. “There is no single formula for building a thriving startup environment,” she said. “But wherever it works, you will always find two key elements: founders who support one another and a collaborative effort between public and private sectors to eliminate barriers.”
Highlighting the importance of storytelling and partnership in the startup journey, Ambassador Zitting added, “Innovation doesn’t thrive in silence. Events like today’s are about refining your message and connecting with allies who can help you grow.”
Drawing parallels to Finland’s own innovation journey, Zitting cited Slush—a now-global startup conference that began as a student-led initiative—as a potential model for Tanzanian entrepreneurs to follow. She stressed that Finland’s development in this space offers valuable lessons for fostering grassroots innovation that can scale internationally.
Ambassador Zitting also referenced Finland’s collaborative efforts in Tanzania, including the Tanzania ICT Programme, the EU-funded Digital for Tanzania (D4T) project, and the Funguo Innovation Programme. These initiatives reflect Finland’s commitment to supporting digital growth and inclusive development in the region. “We continue to seek out opportunities for joint ventures, often facilitated by Finnpartnership, which provides both business cooperation frameworks and financial support,” she said.
Tanzania Startup Association CEO Zahoro Muhaji echoed the value of these partnerships, pointing out their significance for job creation, knowledge sharing, and scalable innovation. “The real strength of Tanzania lies in its people, especially our young, educated, and ambitious population. The digital and startup sectors offer them meaningful opportunities for employment and global engagement,” said Muhaji. Joseph Manirakiza, Programme Manager of the Funguo Innovation Programme under UNDP, urged participants—including students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advisors—to seize this pivotal moment.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/tanzania-start-up-association-signs-mou-with-korean-start-up-forum/
The Nordic Week event, organised with the support of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) and innovation hubs nationwide, served as a key platform for raising visibility, building strategic networks, and encouraging deeper partnerships across the innovation ecosystem.
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