The Jamii Tech Summit 2024 brought together a vibrant mix of young innovators, mentors, and stakeholders from across Tanzania to celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort and set the course for the future of social innovation in the country.
The event, held from September 27-29 and supported by the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) in collaboration with the Twende Innovation Centre, convened over 100 participants, including representatives from the Arusha Regional Office, industry experts, and community partners.
JMKF’s involvement was critical to the success of the summit, contributing both financial backing and facilitating the participation of standout innovators from the 2023 Mwanza cohort. Among these innovators, one took part in a panel discussion, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship and the challenges of scaling tech-driven solutions within local contexts.
The Jamii Tech Program, which spearheaded the summit, is a social innovation initiative aimed at connecting Tanzanian youth with community partners and mentors from various sectors to co-create technological solutions addressing local challenges.
At the heart of the program are Human-Centred Design (HCD) and Creative Capacity Building (CCB) workshops, which equip participants with the skills needed to develop, prototype, and refine their innovations.
Since its inception, Jamii Tech has nurtured a number of groundbreaking startups, tackling social issues across agriculture, health, climate change, and more. Success stories include Kyaro Assistive Tech’s multipurpose wheelchair, Tofali Zetu’s innovative interlocking brick machine, and Taifa Innovations’ affordable simulation technologies for individuals with disabilities.
A highlight of the summit was the keynote speech by Ms. Carol Kandusi, Senior Program Officer at the Segal Family Foundation. Ms. Kandusi delivered an impassioned address on the transformative role of technology and entrepreneurship in driving societal progress, urging participants to leverage tech innovations to tackle social challenges. She emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey.
Following the keynote, a Fireside Chat brought together Jamii Tech alumni and current innovators to share their entrepreneurial stories. The discussion focused on the critical role of mentorship, partnerships, and the ability to pivot business models in response to challenges—a theme echoed throughout the summit.
One of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the summit was the Pitch Competition. Current Jamii Tech innovators presented their projects to a panel of judges, tackling both local and global issues through their innovative solutions. The competition provided participants with valuable feedback and guidance on how to refine their concepts and explore potential market opportunities.
The event culminated in an Awards Ceremony, where top innovators were recognized for their exceptional contributions. The recognition served as a powerful motivator for other participants to continue pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
The summit also highlighted the impact of the 2023 Mwanza cohort, which benefitted from JMKF’s support. 16 young innovators participated in a four-week design program, where they developed solutions addressing local community needs. These innovations included a packaging-making machine, a wire fence-making machine, and a sardine drying machine—each aimed at addressing pressing challenges in Mwanza.
This cohort was co-convened by Twende and the SIDO TLED HUB, with JMKF playing a pivotal role in promoting collaboration and fostering partnerships. These efforts underscored the importance of building bridges between young innovators and key industry stakeholders.
A key moment during the summit was a panel discussion featuring experts from the Ifakara Innovation Hub and other stakeholders. The discussion centred on the importance of continuous mentorship and collaboration, encouraging entrepreneurs to remain flexible in their approaches and adjust business models as needed. Panellists stressed that post-program support, including access to resources and long-term guidance, is essential for helping innovators scale their solutions and achieve lasting impact.
The Jamii Tech Summit 2024 showcased the vast potential of Tanzanian youth to drive meaningful change through innovation and entrepreneurship. With continued support from JMKF and other partners, the program is well-positioned to empower the next generation of innovators.
As the summit concluded, the message was clear: by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, Tanzania’s young entrepreneurs can develop solutions that address both local and global challenges. The Jamii Tech Program remains committed to providing the resources, mentorship, and platform necessary to support these innovators as they shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.
For more information about the Jamii Tech Program and how you can get involved, please visit our website
