Tanzania Start-up Association Unveils Strategic Plan to Transform National Innovation Ecosystem
Dar es Salaam – The Tanzania Start-up Association (TSA) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at accelerating the country’s innovation ecosystem and establishing Tanzania as a leading destination for high-potential ventures and investment opportunities.
TSA CEO Zahoro Muhaji described the organization as a unifying platform for key stakeholders across the start-up ecosystem, designed to create an environment where innovation flourishes and drives meaningful national socio-economic development.
The five-year strategic plan focuses on policy advocacy, talent development, and improved access to finance, while strengthening collaboration across institutions and sectors.
Muhaji highlighted TSA’s successful partnership with the government, citing recent achievements including tax incentives from the Tanzania Revenue Authority, digital government initiatives, and the fintech regulatory sandbox launched by the Bank of Tanzania. These measures demonstrate growing recognition of the critical role start-ups play in driving innovation and economic diversification.
Investment attraction remains central to TSA’s strategy. Muhaji emphasized Tanzania’s appeal to both local and international investors, noting that events such as Tanzania Start-up Week have become essential platforms for networking, deal-making, and showcasing promising ventures.
Tanzania aims to position itself not merely as a consumer market but as a source of scalable, innovative businesses with global potential.
Key growth sectors include fintech, agritech, and software-as-a-service, aligning with broader African market trends. Academic institutions and research centers are expected to play a vital role in producing a skilled, start-up-ready workforce and closing the gap between education and industry needs.
TSA maintains a strong commitment to inclusion. While 21 percent of Tanzanian start-ups are led by women—exceeding the United States’ 17 percent—continued progress is necessary. Gender-focused programs, youth support initiatives, and assistance for entrepreneurs with disabilities aim to build a more equitable and accessible ecosystem.
The sector’s growth trajectory is impressive, with rising start-up registrations and foreign direct investment surging from $1.8 million in 2020 to $56 million last year. Over the past five years, the ecosystem has attracted more than $300 million in total investment.
The emergence of angel networks and local venture funds, including Walioma Ventures and Serengeti Angels Network, alongside increasing corporate sponsorship, signals a shift toward sustainable, homegrown support structures.
However, Muhaji cautioned that slow decision-making by start-ups, regulators, or investors could hinder Tanzania’s competitiveness as an innovation hub. Swift action and agile responses remain essential for continued growth.
Muhaji concluded optimistically, comparing Tanzania’s current ecosystem to the early stages of tech powerhouses like India and Israel. With sustained commitment and strategic execution, Tanzania is positioned to become a globally competitive start-up nation in the years ahead.
