By Lake Zone Watch Writer
Twenty student-led businesses have been awarded 80m/- in a competition held last Saturday in Dar es Salaam for showing exceptional creativity and innovation.
The competition drew young entrepreneurs from 10 higher-learning in institutions in the country, according to a statement released by at the Youth Ignite Student Founders Fellowship.
The Director and Co-Founder of StartHub Africa Tanzania, Shakila Mshana, said: “We StartHub are thrilled to collaborate with UNDP Funguo Innovation Programme and Westerwelle Foundation Tanzania on the implementation of the YouthIgnite Student Founders Fellowship, a transformative initiative that empowers young student innovators and entrepreneurs across Tanzania.”
“At StartHub Africa Tanzania, we have a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers, and that the Youth Ignite Student Founders Fellowship aligns perfectly with their mission to catalyze growth and impact among university students and early-stage startups.”
“Over the years, we have built a good track record of working with university students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Through our tailored programs like Startup 101 and Catalyzer, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential within young minds when they are equipped with the right tools, mentorship, and resources. These experiences have enabled us to develop a unique, practical approach to supporting early-stage startups that ensures, they are not only innovative but also scalable and sustainable.”
The statement said throughout the programme, participants attended workshops, training sessions, and networking events that guided them in developing, refining, and scaling their ideas and businesses into sustainable, impactful ventures.
On his part, Joseph Manirakiza, the Programme Manager of UNDP Funguo Innovation Programme, said that Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania are vibrant sources of innovative business ideas, nurtured by both students and faculty.
“Strengthening the innovation and student entrepreneurship support system at Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions will go a long way in producing more graduate job creators instead of job seekers with limited job prospects ahead of them out of the University gates,” he said.
He added that initiatives like #YouthIgniteStudentFoundersFellowship is one of many UNDP Tanzania’s interventions to drive sustainable development through innovative approaches also supported by the UK Government and European Union.
To complement the success, Isaack Shayo, Country Director of Westerwelle Foundation Tanzania encouraged the student entrepreneurs in that programme and all other entrepreneurs across the country to not be afraid of trying and competing.
“Together with StartHub Africa Tanzania and UNDP Funguo we are aiming to make the environment at universities more supportive so that we can have more university innovators build successful business.”
Scolla Jonathan, a student from Tengeru Institute of Community Development and the founder of Skyverse solutions says, “Among the 1,000-plus student applicants I got the opportunity to be selected among the 30 students. I am grateful for the opportunity because it turned out very positive. Through StartHub Africa Tanzania, I attained skills and prompts for business growth. And I am pretty sure in the next 5 months all our businesses will have made big steps.”
The final week featured an intensive Bootcamp in Dar es Salaam, where the 30 students collaborated closely with mentors, coaches and industry experts where participants were offered an opportunity to present their businesses to potential investors, partners, and customers.
Beyond supporting individual founders, #YouthIgnite strengthens university-based innovation ecosystems by providing skills development and exposure for university hub managers in order to build stronger entrepreneurship hubs at universities.
Dr Irene Isibika, Mzumbe University’s innovation coordinator, says that her university is committed in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation.
“This YouthIgnite program fitted perfectly in this mission. We are grateful to the Funguo program of UNDP, Starthub Africa Tanzania, and Westerwell Foundation for this incredible opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the ideas evolve into impactful solutions,” said Dr Isinbika.