Vodacom Tanzania Announces Winners Of Its Accelerator Program

Vodacom Tanzania has unveiled the winners of the third season of its Digital Accelerator program in partnership with MassChallenge and Huawei.

This year the telco-led accelerator started with 20 startups, and from these, seven finalists emerged: MITz Kits, Afya ya Mnyama, Mkanda Salama, Go Go App, SAB Biomanufacturers, Altitude X, and Makonda Renewable Tech.

The Vodacom Digital Accelerator (VDA) program was founded in 2019 by Vodacom Tanzania with an aim to support early-stage and growth-stage startups with disruptive products and services. The program usually runs for three months.

“Today, we celebrate innovation, hard work, and the bright future of Tanzanian startups. These seven startups have shown that solutions to local challenges lie within our youth, and we are proud to have been a part of their growth. I commend all the finalists and wish them well. The market is ready for your solutions; let’s go make a difference,” said Philip Besiimire, Vodacom Tanzania’s Managing Director.

Besiimire further emphasized Vodacom Tanzania’s commitment to supporting startups by providing access to local and international industry experts, training, mentorship, partner networks, and M-PESA services.

This year’s event which was held in collaboration with various ventures and accelerators, underscored the growth, scope, and diversity of Tanzanian startups, showcasing the promising future of the country’s tech ecosystem.

The finalists embarked on an incredible 3-month journey through workshops, mentorship sessions, and most recently a learning tour in Shenzhen, China, experiencing cutting-edge technology and 5G networks, sparking new ideas and possibilities for Tanzania.

Coupled with international experience from China and pitch rehearsals with US based Mass Challenge, the 7 startups faced the judges and audience in what was a rigorous and exciting pitching session to present their solutions, following which 3 startups Rose Funja founder of AltituteX , Frank Mussa, Afya Lead Co-Founder and Lusekelo Nkuwi from GO GO App emerged as winners .

Frank Mussa, one of the winners and co-founder at Afya Lead, said, “From the beginning of our innovation journey, we faced many challenges, but with determination and the support of VDA mentorship, we built a strong business foundation. I am thrilled to win this award and look forward to implementing what I’ve learned to bring positive change to my community.”

Furthermore, the three winners will be able to travel to the US in September this year. There, they will meet with mentors and potential investors to advance their startups, gaining valuable insights and support for their ventures.