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 S1E6: The Hero of Cashew Nuts.
Zaidu Mbwana, a Young Innovative social entrepreneur who is constantly recognized as a local innovator and hero at his home town of Tandahimba in the suburbs of Mtwara, graced Kijana Leo TV program (Episode 006). His Zaidu Welding and Fabrication is a social...
Kijana Leo S1E5: Transforming trash into treasure.
Have you ever wondered where the plastic water bottle you throw goes after consumption? According to Tanzania's National Plastic Pollution Hot-spotting and Shaping Action Report, over 315,000 tonnes of plastic waste were generated in 2018,...
Kijana Leo S1E4: The recycled light.
Innocent James has been a cacatalyst for the transformation of rural communities, motivated by the desire to bring about change and instill a lifelong reading habit in primary school students in Mwanza. In this spirit, he founded Soma...
Kijana Leo S1E3: Farmer’s Choice
For Tanzania's 15 million smallholder farmers, harvesting crops is a daunting task. whether they are harvesting rice, maize, sorghum, or other crops, farmers are forced to use manual threshing that are inefficient and limit farm...
Kijana Leo S1E2: Keep yourself up to date.
The crew of Kijana Leo TV Program celebrated the International Women's Day in 2022 with Jacqueline Lawrence, a young female problem-solver who is also the owner and director of Mbeya Highlands FM whom shone brightly on our second episode....
Kijana Leo S1E1: Organic Waste
Using organic waste, a young female scientist fills a vacuum in fish-feed ecology. Diana Orembe's motivation to assist her community was motivated by her realisation that the issue touched people she cared about. Hence, she took the bull...
East Africa (EA) Youth Fellowship is launched!
On the 8th of November 2021, the East Africa Youth Fellowship Program was officially launched at the Youlead Summit 2021 held at the Arusha International Conference center. A partnership between The East Africa Community, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) and MS...
Twende “Youth Farmers Week” Festival
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation collaborated with Twende Social Innovation Centre, Segal Family Foundation, Obuntu Hub , Anza Growth fund and SIDO to commemorate the Twende Farmers’ Week from 4th – 6th November 2021 at the Arusha Declaration Museum Grounds in Arusha,...
Mental Health Information Session
In support of Mental Health Day 2021 which is commemorated globally annually on the 10th of October, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) held a Mental Health Breakfast Information Session on Friday the 29th of October 2021. The objectives of the session were to...