By Our Correspondent
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology (MICIT) of Tanzania have officially signed the Minutes of Meeting, marking the commencement of the "Startup Ecosystem Enhancement Project in the Eastern African Region."
A press statement released by JICA on September 12, 2024 says the project set to begin in 2025 and will run for a period of three years, focusing on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam, outlined the framework and implementation structure of the project, which aims to elevate the startup ecosystem in Tanzania and beyond.
Key stakeholders in the initiative include various ministries such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, as well as agencies like the ICT Commission and COSTECH.
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The project is a direct response to a request from the Tanzanian government, submitted to Japan in July 2023, seeking assistance to bolster the country's startup landscape.
The collaboration highlights a shared commitment between Tanzania and Japan to cultivate a thriving environment for startups, with the goal of boosting economic growth and technological innovation in the region.
Speaking during the signing, Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, Director General of the ICT Commission, expressed optimism about the project's future.
“We are excited about today's signing and look forward to a smooth commencement and productive implementation of the project,” he said.
From JICA’s side, Mr. Mukai Naoto, Senior Assistant Director of the Private Sector Development Group at JICA Headquarters in Tokyo, reaffirmed JICA's dedication to the partnership.
“JICA is committed to working together with the Government of Tanzania to address its challenges in the startup ecosystem, so that the project outcomes would be realized for the benefit of the country and its people,” he noted.
The project aims to support MICIT in developing a comprehensive Master Plan, which will include actionable steps to create and nurture innovative startups.
Additionally, pilot projects will be implemented to foster innovation and build capacity within the ecosystem.
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The project will also review and analyze existing startup policies and legislative frameworks, providing recommendations to stakeholders for improvement.
JICA extended its appreciation to all involved parties for their constructive contributions that led to the successful signing of the agreement.
The project represents a significant step forward in building a robust startup ecosystem in Tanzania and the broader Eastern African region.