Institute of Accountancy Arusha empowers young innovators to tackle societal challenges through technology

Arusha. As Tanzania marks Innovation Week, digital creativity has been hailed as a promising pathway for youth self-employment and a solution to various social challenges.

The Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), through its Business Startup Centre incubator, has pledged to continue supporting young innovators by creating an enabling environment that allows them to realise their dreams.

Speaking on Sunday, April 6, 2025, during the Innovation Week celebrations in Arusha, IAA Rector Prof Eliamani Sedoyeka said the event, which brought together innovative students from various institutions and schools in the region, aimed to nurture fresh ideas among youth. 

The event was organised under the Funguo Programme, part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Prof Sedoyeka noted that IAA would remain committed to equipping young people with practical knowledge and technical support to help them grow economically through innovation.

“In addition to creating jobs for youth, tech-based innovations simplify service delivery across communities,” said Prof Sedoyeka. “As an institution, we shall continue supporting young people by refining their ideas, offering professional mentorship, financial guidance, market access, and other necessary tools.”

The Funguo Project Manager, Joseph Evarist, said that in the three years since the programme began, it has supported 61 innovative startups—most of which are still active—creating over 4,800 jobs.

He said that through the programme, some of the supported startups have had opportunities to showcase their innovations at exhibitions in Nairobi and Kigali, fostering regional collaboration.

“Given that a significant percentage of Tanzania’s population is youth, it is crucial for us, in partnership with the government, to create strategies that generate employment opportunities,” said Mr Evarist.

He emphasised the importance of matching technological infrastructure investments with innovation capacity among the youth.

“Our economy is growing, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure, and internet connectivity is expanding even to rural areas. But who will utilise these resources if not the youth? They must be equipped to harness these tools for their livelihoods and to uplift their communities.”

Earlier, the Manager of the IAA Startup Centre, Dr Pamela Chogo, said their support goes beyond training by linking young entrepreneurs to market opportunities.

“We truly appreciate the government’s continued efforts in creating a supportive ecosystem. Through this centre, we assist youth with innovative ideas. Once they start gaining momentum, we connect them with development institutions, including government entities,” said Dr Chogo.

One of the beneficiaries, Imani Penza, co-founder of Carbon Group, a startup focusing on agriculture by linking farmers to markets and agro-input suppliers, shared his journey.

“We identified community challenges and turned them into opportunities,” he said. “Our dream is to become a company offering African-driven solutions. We are grateful to Funguo because through this work, we are growing economically and no longer depend on employment.”