Vodacom Tanzania unveils Digital Accelerator Program winners

Mobile operator Vodacom Tanzania has announced the season three winners of its Digital Accelerator Program.

Earlier this week, the telco held its third demo day of the Digital Accelerator Program, where startups showcased presentations from the three-month accelerator program in partnership with MassChallenge and Huawei.

The accelerator program started with 20 startups and seven finalists were chosen.

"These finalists embarked on an incredible three-month journey through workshops, mentorship sessions, and most recently a learning tour in Shenzhen, China, experiencing cutting-edge technology and 5G networks, sparking new ideas and possibilities for Tanzania," Vodacom Tanzania said in a statement.

Digital Accelerator Program winners

The seven finalists are MITz Kits, Afya ya Mnyama, Mkanda Salama, Go Go App, SAB Biomanufacturers, Altitude X and Makonda Renewable Tech.

MITz Kits

MITz Kits is an edtech startup that was founded in 2018 and specializes in leveraging technologies like printed circuit boards and 3D printing to transform education in Africa. The startup designs and assembles science experiment kits for primary and secondary schools, aiming to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education accessible, affordable, and engaging.

Afya ya Mnyama

Afya ya Mnyama is an agritech startup dedicated to digitalizing livestock in Tanzania. The Afya ya Mnyama platform connects livestock and fisheries farmers with registered professionals.

The seven finalists of the Vodacom Tanzania Digital Accelerator Program went on a three-month journey through workshops, mentorship sessions, and a learning tour in Shenzhen, China. (Source: Image by www.slon.pics on Freepik.)

The company provides a digital platform accessible via the web, USSD codes, mobile applications on Android and iOS, and a WhatsApp chatbot.

Afya Lead's Mkanda Salama

The Mkanda Salama is an initiative by Afya Lead Company in Kalema, Tanzania. The tech is focused on reducing maternal deaths caused by postpartum hemorrhages through a special belt designed to compress the stomach and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Go Go App

The Go Go App is a mobile application designed to provide 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. The company offers services that help with problems such as mechanical issues, dead batteries, flat tires, fuel shortages, lockouts and more. Furthermore, the app uses GPS and maps to locate a vehicle's location and assists users in diagnosing the problem and requesting the appropriate service.

Altitude X

Altitude X, formally known as Agrinfo, provides data-driven solutions using drone and satellite technologies. The company offers valuable insights to businesses by leveraging these advanced technologies, initially focusing on agriculture but now expanding beyond to various sectors.

Makonda Renewable Tech

Makonda Renewable Tech is a startup that has developed a technology to harness the kinetic energy of water waves. The technology captures this energy to power an efficient water pumping system, which can transport irrigation water from Lake Victoria to farms located up to 40 kilometers from the shore.

SAB Biomanufacturers

SAB Biomanufacturers addresses environmental challenges by capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources.

"These seven startups have shown that solutions to local challenges lie within our youth, and we are proud to have been a part of their growth," Vodacom Tanzania Managing Director Philip Besiimire said.

"Vodacom Tanzania is committed to supporting startups by providing access to local and international industry experts, training, mentorship, partner networks, and M-Pesa services," Besiimire added.

*Top image is of Vodacom Tanzania Digital Accelerator Program winners.(Source: Vodacom Tanzania.)

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa