Jamii Tech Program

Empowering Youth Through Innovation and Design

Jamii Tech is a dynamic digital literacy and innovation program launched by JMKF in collaboration with key partners, targeting adolescents and youth aged 15–24. It equips participants with digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to access opportunities in the innovation economy and to develop practical solutions for local community needs.

Background

Tanzania’s youth account for 35% of its population. However, the country faces a 12% youth unemployment rate, driven by mismatched skills, lack of innovation exposure, and insufficient access to tools and mentorship. Young people, particularly women, are often locked out of economic participation, while pressing community issues such as climate change, plastic waste, and post-harvest losses go unaddressed.

Problems

– Limited innovation ecosystems and mentorship for youth.

– High unemployment due to lack of practical, market-aligned skills.

– Few platforms for youth to develop context-specific, scalable solutions.

Solutions

Jamii Tech aims to empower 1,000 Tanzanian youth annually through innovation labs, digital training, entrepreneurship coaching, and mentorship.

Participants engage in human-centered design, develop working prototypes, and pitch their solutions for real-world application. The program also integrates with the Kijana Leo platform to raise awareness and scale visibility.

Impact Highlights – Mwanza 2023

The 2023 Jamii Tech Incubation Program in Mwanza, empowered 16 young innovators through a four-week intensive training. Participants engaged in Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Creative Capacity Building (CCB) workshops, focusing on practical skills such as prototyping, business planning, and customer validation. This collaborative effort led to the development of three innovative solutions addressing local challenges:

1. Chain-Linking Machine: A device that efficiently produces chain-link fences from various metal wires, catering to the high demand for affordable fencing in Mwanza.

2. Solar Fish Dryer: A solar-powered machine designed to dry sardines hygienically, enhancing shelf life and quality, thus benefiting local fishermen and the broader community.

3. On-Demand Box Maker: A machine capable of shaping cardboard sheets into customizable boxes, aiding small businesses in reducing packaging costs and waste.

Beyond technical training, the program provided participants with mentorship, access to prototyping tools, and business development support. Post-program, teams are receiving continued assistance, including technical support, community engagement, and guidance on scaling their innovations. The success of this initiative underscores the potential of youth-led innovation in driving sustainable solutions for community development

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