Dar es Salaam. The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with StartHub Africa, has launched a nationwide innovation challenge aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and businesses developing solutions to improve food security, nutrition and climate resilience in Tanzania.
Dubbed the IGNITE Challenge Tanzania 1.0, the initiative seeks to identify and support high-potential innovators working on sustainable food systems, with successful applicants eligible for funding of up to $40,000 (about Sh104 million) to pilot and scale their solutions.
The challenge focuses on two key areas: water-smart technologies for food production and the development of nutritious complementary foods for children aged between six and 59 months.
The programme comes as Tanzania faces increasing climate-related pressures on agriculture and food production, alongside persistent nutrition challenges affecting vulnerable groups, particularly young children.
WFP Tanzania said the initiative is designed to accelerate locally developed innovations capable of improving food security, strengthening community resilience and expanding access to nutritious foods.
Selected participants will receive technical mentorship, business development support and access to networks within Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem to help refine and scale their solutions.
Speaking during the launch, WFP Tanzania head of innovation, Ms Tayamika Mattao, said local innovators have a critical role to play in addressing some of the country’s most pressing development challenges.
“Across Tanzania, we continue to see innovators building practical and impactful solutions for communities, particularly in agriculture, nutrition and climate resilience,” she said.
“Through the IGNITE Challenge, we want to create opportunities for these innovators to access the support, partnerships and resources needed to scale their ideas and contribute to building stronger and more sustainable food systems.”
The challenge is open to start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovators and other enterprises with solutions that can be implemented and expanded to benefit communities across the country.
For innovators working on water-efficient farming technologies, irrigation systems and climate-smart agricultural solutions, the programme offers an opportunity to test and demonstrate their innovations in settings such as schools and refugee camps.
Food manufacturers and distributors producing nutritious foods for young children are also encouraged to participate, with the aim of improving nutrition outcomes and reducing malnutrition among children.
