On July 1, 2024, the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) celebrated the incredible journey of Imara Tech, a young innovator we proudly support whose living up to the true testament of ‘youth in transformation’. From being featured on Episode 3 of the Kijana Leo TV Program to launching their premier agricultural product, Imara Tech has achieved a significant milestone. This celebration also marked the signing of two agreements with Honda LTD and PASS Leasing, highlighting the company’s growth and hard work over the years.
Imara Tech is a social enterprise in the agriculture value chain that improves the lives of smallholder farmers by empowering communities with locally produced technologies for productive use. Imara Tech addresses the issue of farmers’ lack of access to technology, which severely limits their productivity because nearly all their work entails arduous manual labor.
Imara Tech introduced their new product, the Chaff Cutter, designed for making animal feed by grinding maize, cutting grasses, and milling cobs. Additionally, they have modified their Maize Thresher (a machine for threshing maize) and Multi-Crop Thresher, which can thresh nine different staple crops, including maize, beans, sorghum, millet, sunflower, and finger millet.
The agreement with PASS Leasing aims to support micro farmers by offering the machines through loans, targeting 100 farmers in the first batch. With Honda’s support in providing the machine engines, the cost of the machines has been reduced by 50%, increasing the accessibility of the machines to the majority of small-scale farmers.
The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Omar Juma Kipanga, who said, “My fellow citizens, it is very encouraging to see a farmer’s child from Songwe coming up with technologies that positively address farmers’ challenges. Agriculture has nurtured you, and now you are nurturing it. Personally, I congratulate you for being able to create your own job and employ 50 of your fellow youth directly in your company.” His words acknowledged Imara Tech’s initiative in solving agricultural challenges, generating income, and empowering more youth.
JMKF, through a speech delivered by the CEO, Ms. Vanessa Anyoti, announced that over the next five years, the goal is to support more innovators like Imara Teach and reach 1,000 youth through the Kijana Leo Program. The features of Imara Tech on the Kijana Leo TV program have led to significant business growth for Imara Tech, with over 80 machines sold in just six months. Ms Anyoti noted that as we celebrate these achievements, let them inspire us to continue addressing societal challenges and encourage other young people to seek opportunities and resources within their communities.
Imara Tech plans to supply 300 machines this year, indirectly reaching 1,500 farmers. They expressed gratitude to the Government for its continued support, particularly in removing taxes on the sale of these machines. Imara Tech’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of youth in transforming the agricultural sector. We look forward to their continued success and impact in the agriculture sector.
Partner with us to reach and support the work on more young innovators like Imara Tech. Reach out to us through: info@jmkfoundation.org.
