Unlocking Growth: Navigating Tanzania's Accelerator Ecosystem

In this case study series, we dive into Tanzania's innovation landscape and explore the dynamic world of accelerators, incubators, and competitions, and their impact on early-stage companies.

Exploring Opportunities

Discover how accelerators, incubators, and competitions have become essential components of start-up ecosystems worldwide, providing invaluable resources such as mentorship, technical assistance, partnerships, and funding.

The Case of Dawa Mkononi

The case study looks at the story of Dawa Mkononi (DM), a pioneering health-tech and e-commerce startup founded by medical doctors Joseph Paul, Clemence Exaudi, Kilalo Mjema, and Asorael Ayo. Learn how DM's journey through various accelerators shaped their growth trajectory and propelled them towards success.

Insights and Lessons

Gain valuable insights into the experiences of DM and other start-ups as they navigate Tanzania's accelerator landscape. Understand the criteria for selecting the right accelerator, the importance of tailored technical assistance, and the significance of building strong networks and partnership

Looking Ahead

Explore the future of DM and other Tanzanian start-ups as they continue to pursue growth and expansion. Learn about the role of accelerators in supporting regional expansion, fostering innovation in healthcare, and providing follow-on support beyond the accelerator program.

Case Studies in this series:

• Establishing effective partnerships in the innovation ecosystem
• Fintech for women’s financial inclusion in Tanzania

ABOUT D4T-TIDE

The European Union Digital4Tanzania (D4T) Programme is contributing to the impact of digital transformation on Tanzania’s inclusive economic growth and citizen wellbeing. With a budget of EUR 35M, its specific objectives include:

1. Digital government: improving the digital economy and the use of e-government and e-services
2. Inclusive connectivity: increasing accessible and equitable connectivity services in rural and peri-urban areas, in particular for social services.
3. Digital trade support: developing the fintech sector and innovation ecosystems in the country and the region.

The programme is jointly implemented by The Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology (MICIT), EU Member States and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

Under the D4T programme, UNCDF is currently implementing the Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy (D4T-TIDE) project. Launched in September 2022, D4T-TIDE is a four year project that aims to increase access to and usage of digital payments and digital financial services in Tanzania, while enabling the innovation ecosystem to better support entrepreneurs and further drive digital innovation.

ABOUT PESATECH ACCELERATOR

Pesatech Accelerator is a fintech accelerator program designed to support post-MVP and growth-stage fintech startups in Tanzania. The accelerator aims to build fintech’s capacity to raise investment through an Investor-Readiness Program (IRP) and act as a marketplace between startups, strategic partners, and investors.

PesaTech’s first cohort was implemented by Sahara Ventures in partnership with ENEA Advisors, Hindsight Ventures, and iPF Softwares with support from the European Union and SIDA.