Kijana Leo: Propelling young innovators to greater heights
Kijana Katika Mabadiliko – “Youth in Transformation”
As its name implies, “Kijana Leo” is a Swahili youth entrepreneurship program empowering Tanzanian youth to scale their businesses and unlock growth opportunities. Originally launched as a 60 minute interactive television show, it has now evolved into a dynamic 6 month accelerator that supports youth-led social enterprises through curriculum-based training, mentorship, and practical skills development. While the TV component remains central, the program’s core focus is to equip young people with the tools needed to build sustainable ventures and create decent work. It showcases inspiring youth stories to encourage peer learning and local
innovation.”
Training Curriculum
The Kijana Leo Accelerator is a structured, 6 month curriculum-based training program designed to support young Tanzanian entrepreneurs in building scalable, socially responsible businesses. The curriculum blends practical skill-building, technical mentorship, and personal development to help youth-led enterprises thrive in dynamic markets. Each module is designed to equip participants with tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to investment readiness.
Harnessing the Power of Digital Media in Youth Engagement
Tanzanian youth have relied on television programs for amusement, news, education, culture, the weather, sports, and even music since the debut of music videos, as more and more means to watch television have become available. The appropriate use of television can provide youth with an informative experience that contributes to the development of their informal skills, connects them with opportunities, and inspires them so that they can contribute to employment and be equipped to shape their behavior and actions to support the achievement of their goals.
Nowadays, more than 56% of Tanzanian homes have access to satellite TV, with AZAM TV, the country’s main provider, reaching 81% of these households.
Tanzania’s viewing culture extends beyond the home, as most of the television viewing takes place in communal and digital spaces, allowing it to reach more people, especially in rural areas. Consequently, the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF), AZAM TV, and the Prime Minister’s Office – Youth Development Division (PMO-LYED) collaborate with youth and youth organisations throughout Tanzania to use television as a platform to educate, cross-learn, and inspire youth on social innovation – with tremendous success.
We are delighted to present here the bright stars of KIJANA LEO TV episodes have risen to greater heights in their various fields after appearing on the TV program.
Kijana Leo S2E5: Banana Waste to Wealth
In Tanzania, bananas aren’t just a staple food; they central to our cultural diet. In regions like Kagera, where about 95% of the population depends on bananas as a primary food source, per capita consumption reaches between 280 and 500 kilograms each year. While the...
Strategic Collaboration to Empower Tanzania’s Young Entrepreneurs
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,...
Kijana Leo S2E4: Pioneering Local water distillation
Ever wondered where the distilled water, that we often enjoy, comes from? In this Season 2, Episode 4 of Kijana Leo TV program, we feature Caylak Group, a youth led enterprise addressing Tanzania’s need for distilled water. Founded in 2021, the Mwanza-based company...
Kijana Leo S2E3: Innovating Palm Oil Production
In Tanzania, local palm oil extractors often work for 12 hours a day, yielding only 5 litres of oil daily using traditional machines. However, in episode 003 of Kijana Leo Tv Program this landscape is changing with the introduction of cutting-edge technology by...
Kijana Leo TV Program: More Than a Show, It’s a Movement
As 2025 kicks off, the Kijana Leo TV crew is back on the road, cameras rolling, capturing the stories that matter. But this isn’t just television—it’s a movement. A pulse-pounding, idea-shaping, future-defining movement that’s changing lives, one story at...
Kijana Leo Triumphs Again at EJAT 2024 with Powerful Story on Disability Advocacy
The popular Tanzanian TV program Kijana Leo has once again secured top honours at the 2024 Excellence in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT), winning in the highly competitive Disability Reporting category for the second consecutive year. This year’s recognition was...
Kijana Leo: Youth Empowerment Through Innovative Television Programming.
In the dynamic landscape of Tanzanian television programming, "Kijana Leo" stands out as a beacon of empowerment for the nation's youth. This 60-minute interactive show, broadcasted in Swahili, catalyses social innovation and entrepreneurship among Tanzanian youth in...
Three Innovative solutions created by the Jamii Tech Incubation Program in Mwanza 2023
On the 3rd of April 2023, 15 dynamic innovators from diverse backgrounds including farmers, fishermen, welders, and student from technical colleges, came together in Mwanza for a 30-day technology innovation camp - Jamii Tech. With the urgent need to achieve the...
Kijana Leo S1E7: Dustless and More Powerful Together.
In episode 007 of Kijana Leo TV program, we see a group of young people who put their talents to good use by developing and mass-producing dustless chalks to be used in schools across Tanzania. As their tale aired on Azam TV, they saw an...