Afcacia

The Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program, designed to support early and growth-stage startups with disruptive technology products and services, has announced the winners of its third season.

This year 20 startups started the program which narrowed down to seven finalists: MITz Kits, Afya ya Mnyama, Mkanda Salama, Go Go App, SAB Bio Manufacturers, Altitude X, and Makonda Renewable Tech. Out of the seven three startup emerged winners after representing  their solutions in front of the judges and audience in a demanding and exhilarating pitching session. Below are the three startups which won.

AltituteX founded by Rose Funja, is a startup previously known as Agrinfo, its  data-driven solutions company that utilizes drone and satellite technologies to deliver valuable insights to businesses.Afya leads a micro health insurance service and GO GO App which is designed to help travelers or drivers travel with confidence.

Launched in 2019, this program aims to provide mentorship and financial support to startups, helping them grow into successful businesses. The collaboration between Vodacom Tanzania and SmartLab has sparked a groundbreaking initiative that empowers technology startups in Tanzania with expert training, mentorship, and a wealth of tools, resources and funding. This dynamic duo is dedicated to creating a more sustainable future.

On July 16, Vodacom Tanzania celebrated the achievements of the seven finalists who completed the three-month acceleration program in partnership with MassChallenge a non profit making organization which links up startups, experts, corporations, and communities to drive business growth and economic transformation and a Chinese leading global provider of information and communications technology infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei.

As part of the program, Tanzanian startups had the opportunity to visit Huawei Exhibition Halls, where they engaged with Huawei’s industry solutions. Additionally, they were fortunate to travel to companies such as UBtech, DJI, and ByteDance, where they took part in workshops with industry leaders.

The trip to China marked the final phase of the three months acceleration program, said Joyce Liu, director of the Tech4All Digital Inclusion Program “This trip to China marked the final phase of the three-month acceleration program, which aims to support and empower local startups to drive digitalization in Tanzania”

Frank Musa, the co-founder of Africa Lead, commented on their win of the program, stating: “From the beginning of our innovation journey, we faced many challenges, but with determination and the support of VDA mentorship, we built a strong business foundation. I am thrilled to win this award and look forward to implementing what I’ve learned to bring positive change to my community.”

Nguvu Kamando commented and thanked Huawei saying that the visit will support innovation in Tanzania. “We appreciate Huawei’s unwavering support in this program, such initiatives are crucial for fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in Tanzania,” said Kamando.

The three winners will have the opportunity to travel to the US this September where they will meet with mentors and potential investors to further their startups, receiving valuable insights and support for their ventures.