Ten Tanzanian education-based startups to get funding
What you need to know:
- These innovative solutions will enable students to access various lessons through technology, obtain study notes, and help track student attendance
Dar es Salaam. Ten startup ideas in the education sector are set to benefit from funding from the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at bridging the academic gap in the country, particularly for students living in rural areas.
These innovative solutions will enable students to access various lessons through technology, obtain study notes, and help track student attendance.
One of the selected startups is Shulesoft, which allows students from primary to secondary levels to access various subjects through its platform.
It also assists in managing student attendance, academic performance, school operations, and even fee payments.
Shulesoft and nine others are grabbing this opportunity through the EdTech Project, managed by Sahara Consult in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Speaking during the announcement of the winners, Sahara Consult’s CEO, Nancy Kiondo, said this programme is designed to support promising African EdTech ventures in partnership with innovation hubs and accelerators across the continent.
“Over the next eight months, Tanzania’s inaugural cohort of growth-stage EdTech companies will benefit from Sahara Consult mentorship through business and financial support and insight into the science of learning to prepare them for scale, sustainability and impact,” she said.
According to Nancy, this is the beginning of a new journey in innovation that will increase educational opportunities through technology.
The project will be implemented over the next five years and will address all aspects of education to achieve the desired outcomes.
Acting National Coordinator of the Tanzania Education Network, Martha Makala, noted that the project is essential for nurturing talent and ensuring education is accessible through comprehensive technological means.
“Considering the evolution of science and technology, it is vital for our education system to align with the ongoing fourth industrial revolution,” Ms Makala said.
“This five-year project will help elevate the education sector and complement other stakeholders’ efforts in integrating technology into education.”
Other beneficial startups are Shuleyetu Innovations Limited, Mtabe, Smartdarasa, Infotaaluma, Smartcore Enterprise Limited, Kilimanjaro Planetarium (part of Rada 360 Ltd.), MITz Group Company Limited, Fiqra Technologies, and Taifa Technovation Hub.
Some of these innovations do not require internet access, while others offer simple methods for learning science subjects.
The director general of the National Commission for Science and Technology (Costech), Dr Amos Nungu, said the project signifies the fruitful outcomes of the enabling environment established by the government.
“We invite other stakeholders to collaborate with our youth in various areas to help bring their ideas to market,” said Dr Nungu.
