Tanzania’s tech startups in race to bridge digital divide in education

Dar es Salaam. Fueled by the digital transformation agenda of the country's education sector, local innovators are stepping up to offer solutions that could propel Tanzania's education system to new heights.

Among these creators is ShuleSoft, a homegrown startup striving to revolutionise school management systems across the nation and beyond.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of schools and disrupted learning for thousands of Tanzanian students, the government recognised the urgent need to bridge the digital divide in education.

The ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been steadfast in its commitment to integrating digital learning and teaching methods, ensuring that all students, regardless of their environment, have access to quality education.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan reiterated this commitment during the recent Eid Baraza, emphasising the importance of public and stakeholder support in implementing the new education policy.

This policy not only aims to provide equal educational opportunities but also seeks to instil values in Tanzanians that prepare them for the challenges of the modern, technology-driven world.

ShuleSoft, founded by a Tanzanian graduate, stands at the forefront of this educational revolution. Their new innovative school management system, launched recently, promises to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication between stakeholders, and facilitate digital learning experiences.

Director of ShuleSoft, Mr Ephraim Swilla, articulates the company's mission, stating: "The presence of innovative startups developed locally has propelled many countries forward. This is what ShuleSoft and other tech-driven innovations are trying to do to help achieve the Tanzanian education goal."

The new version of ShuleSoft's system, he noted, integrates feedback from education stakeholders and incorporates features tailored to the needs of Tanzanian schools.

From attendance tracking to library management, from facilitating direct communication with parents to ensuring staff accountability, the system offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by schools in the digital age.

"Tanzanians are required to support these solutions being developed by our youth. Truly, ShuleSoft has helped me a lot in knowing what is happening at school regarding my child, even though they are in boarding and I am at home," says one of the parents, Ms. Sofia Yunus.

"Tanzanians are required to support these solutions being developed by our youth. Truly, ShuleSoft has helped me a lot in knowing what is happening at school regarding my child, even though they are in boarding and I am at home," says one of the parents, Ms. Sofia Yunus.

Mr Swilla's concerns about intellectual property theft echoed the challenges faced by many local innovators striving for national development.

However, he commended the government's efforts in establishing the Personal Data Protection Commission, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding technology growth and user data protection.

The impact of ShuleSoft's system on Tanzanian education is already tangible, experts say. With over 470 schools nationwide and more than 200,000 parents and students benefiting from their services, the company has seen remarkable improvements in school productivity and revenue collection.

“By leveraging technology, ShuleSoft has increased revenue collection from an average of 60 to 70 percent in other schools to over 90 percent with our system,” said Mr Swilla, adding, “This is a testament to the transformative power of digital innovation in education.”

Experts in the field also lend their support to new innovations. An education policy analyst, Dr Grace Mbise, highlighted in an interview with The Citizen the importance of local innovation in driving educational reform.

"I have interacted with ShuleSoft's system; I know it very well. The locally developed software represents a significant step towards achieving our educational goals.”

“By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a more inclusive and efficient education system that equips our students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age."

He believed that with initiatives like ShuleSoft leading the charge, the nation stands poised to realise its vision of a digitally transformed education system.

However, Dr Mbise insisted: “With unity among education stakeholders and a commitment to innovation, Tanzania is on the path to achieving its educational goals and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.”