Why startups require more support, strategic partnership to grow

Dar es Salaam. Many startups in Africa face significant challenges due to insufficient capital and funding, a factor frequently identified as the leading cause of their failure.

Other challenges include unfavourable policies, poor management, and a lack of skilled human resources to turn ideas into businesses.

However, some entrepreneurs believe that incubation and mentorship play a significant role in overcoming the hurdles.

Solid mentorship and incubation are said to provide guidance and personal experience, which are essential for building a successful path in entrepreneurship and securing a better future.

One of the startup entrepreneurs, Mr Lusekelo Nkuwi, who developed the Go Go application that helps users get assistance when facing emergencies with their vehicles, says supports such as incubation and capacity building make it easier for startups to succeed.

“Mentorship and incubation are meant to show you the way because when you start with an idea, it’s like throwing a stone in the dark. When giant entities come in, they shed light on your path, and with their support, some of the doors that were difficult to open begin to soften, unlike when you’re alone,” he says.

The application, which offers services like assistance with flat tires, dead batteries, towing, locked cars, and refuelling when one runs out of fuel, is one of the companies that went through Vodacom incubation.

Mr Nkuwi says that despite having this technological solution, he is currently focused on finding local or international partners.

He says that with the support of the Mass Challenge Institute, many things are changing as he is now connected with people and is being equipped with skills to grow the business he envisions.

“You are taught to be confident, express yourself, and how to engage with potential partners and investors,” he says.

The founder of Altitute X, Ms Rose Funja, agrees with Mr Nkuwi that incubation is essential as it helps innovators focus on things that can propel them forward quickly rather than struggling with everything on their own.

“Before getting mentorship or management support, you find yourself doing everything on your own—developing the idea, finding markets, making sales, handling technical and administrative tasks. But when you get someone to hold your hand and provide guidance, it helps to overcome some obstacles,” she says.

Her innovation involves using drones in agriculture and collecting critical data to address complex issues in society, such as communication and energy.

She says the foundation of her innovation is the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the country and the importance of aerial imagery and data to aid decision-making.

“Agriculture is a crucial sector, but recently, it has faced challenges related to climate change, and people are unable to use the available data to make informed decisions. Through our innovation, we provide solutions,” she says.

She says it needs $500,000 (Sh1.35 billion) to expand the service reach to strategic areas.

“One drone costs $30,000 (Sh81.2 million), but we also need generators because the batteries don’t last long. All these also need transportation, as both the drones and generators weigh 100 kg,” she says.

Ms Funja will also participate in the Mass Challenge event in the United States in October.

Frank Mussa, who developed the Safe Belt—a device that helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage—says that without mentorship, it’s difficult to achieve success.

“Acceleration and proper mentorship have a significant impact on growing innovation in all sectors. First, it helps create a solid business foundation (innovation commercialisation), and it helps innovators learn about and access various opportunities, especially investment opportunities,” he says.

The founder of Afya Lead says his upcoming trip to the United States in October this year is a significant opportunity for him as it could propel him forward in his innovation journey.

“I will have the chance to meet my mentors in Boston, but I will also have the opportunity to learn new things, especially from experts at the Mass Challenge. Most importantly, I will get the chance to promote the work I am doing to improve health services in our country,” he says.

Vodacom Tanzania, one of the companies providing mentorship to young companies, says the founders are given complete freedom and control over their development roadmap.

"The innovation ecosystem in Tanzania is ready for growth. This year alone, we received over 200 applications and worked with 20, eventually selecting seven and then three. I invite companies, investors, and partners to tap into the Tanzanian market. There are brilliant minds here who just need to be empowered,” says Vodacom Tanzania managing director, Mr Philip Besiimire.