Three Tanzanians have been chosen as the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program winners for 2024.
The winners are AltituteX, Frank Mussa, Afya Lead Co-Founder and Lusekelo Nkuwi from GO GO App.
Established in 2019 by Vodacom Tanzania, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator (VDA) Program aims to support early-stage and growth-stage startups to become revenue-generating businesses.
This year the telco-led accelerator started with 20 startups, and from these, seven finalists emerged: MITz Kits, Afya ya Mnyama, Mkanda Salama, Go Go App, SAB Biomanufacturers, Altitude X, and Makonda Renewable Tech. Three of these startups emerged as winners.
These finalists embarked on a three-month journey through workshops, mentorship sessions, and most recently a learning tour in Shenzhen, China, experiencing cutting-edge technology and 5G networks, sparking new ideas and possibilities for Tanzania.
The Vodacom Digital Accelerator 2024 Program was done in partnership with MassChallenge, Huawei and various ventures and accelerators.
“Today, we celebrate innovation, hard work, and the bright future of Tanzanian startups. These seven startups have shown that solutions to local challenges lie within our youth, and we are proud to have been a part of their growth.” Vodacom Tanzania’s Managing Director, Philip Besiimire said.
Besiimire emphasized Vodacom Tanzania’s commitment to supporting startups by providing access to local and international industry experts, training, mentorship, partner networks, and M-PESA services. The company said in a statement that it believes in creating solutions that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, ensuring that innovations benefit all members of society whilst addressing the SDGs.
The three winners will have the opportunity to travel to the US in September this year where they will meet with mentors and potential investors to advance their startups.
“The Tanzanian innovation ecosystem is ripe for growth. This year alone, we received over 200 applications and managed to work with only 20 startups during the design sprint phase and later seven finalists so you can see the hunger out there.” Besiimire said.
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