In a visionary step toward advancing youth empowerment and economic inclusion in Tanzania, the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) has entered a strategic partnership with NEXLAW Advocates. This collaboration aims to provide critical legal education, protection, and support to young entrepreneurs, with a focus on intellectual property rights and legal literacy—areas that are increasingly vital in today’s innovation-driven economy.
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among Tanzanian youth, particularly in a landscape where youth, innovation and creativity are abundant. Many youths are building startups, launching digital solutions, or creating cultural products without the adequate awareness of their legal rights, leaving them exposed to exploitation, infringement, and missed opportunities for growth. JMKF and NEXLAW recognize this gap as a strategic entry point for high-impact intervention.
By equipping youth with legal knowledge and tools to protect their innovations, the partnership helps create a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. This partnership aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2025, which emphasizes the creation of a knowledge-based economy and the need to build human capital, as well as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
The CEO of JMKF, Ms Vanessa Anyoti stated: “This is the beginning of a very fruitful partnership. Our support for SMEs in Tanzania would not be complete without the protection and legal guidance they will now receive through this collaboration with NEXLAW,” Similarly, partner from NEXLAW Advocates, Prof.Saudin Mwakaje, emphasized that, “This is a milestone. We are truly happy to have signed an MoU with JMKF, and we see it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to youth entrepreneurship. Many young people have brilliant ideas, but they need guidance on how to update, protect, and own those ideas,”
As we work towards supporting youth skills, our goal is to empower youth and adolescents with 21st-century skills that match the labour market. This MoU brings us one step closer to realizing this goal and towards supporting young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
