A young entrepreneur from Zanzibar, Sabri Hamis, has won prizes valued at more than TSh 5 million after emerging as the first winner on a newly launched innovative digital platform, Piku, which was officially unveiled in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
The Piku platform, which operates as a digital auction, gives Tanzanians the opportunity to participate by placing the lowest unique bid, thereby standing a chance to win high-value consumer products at a fraction of their market cost.
Through the platform, Mr Hamis secured a 55-inch LG television, an LG air conditioner, a music system, a DStv decoder with a full-year subscription, and an Airtel internet router also paid for a full year all after spending just TSh 1,000.
Speaking during the official launch, Mr Barnabas Mbunda, the Information and Communications Manager at Piku, said the platform is open to Tanzanians aged 18 and above and can be accessed through a dedicated app available on Android via the Play Store.
“Participants can purchase tickets at affordable rates, starting at TSh 1,000 for 10 tickets, TSh 5,000 for 50, and up to TSh 100,000 for 1,000 tickets. The more you engage, the greater your chance of winning,” Mr Mbunda explained.
“What sets Piku apart from traditional auctions is the model the winner is the one who places the lowest unique bid, meaning a bid that is both the lowest and unmatched by any other participant. This gives all users an equal and fair opportunity to walk away with premium prizes at a very low cost,” he added.
He noted that Piku awards prizes on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis, and is especially designed to be inclusive of individuals from all income brackets.
Mr Mbunda called on Tanzanians to embrace the platform, highlighting its potential to empower everyday citizens: “We believe this innovation will help unlock new opportunities, especially for youth and low-income earners.”
Expressing his excitement, Mr Hamis said he was surprised at the scale of his win after spending so little.
“I only participated once, spending TSh 1,000, and ended up winning items worth over TSh 5 million. This is a game-changer. I now believe that even a small amount can turn someone’s life around. I encourage others to try it just one bid could transform your life,” he said.
On her part, Ms Lucy Katamba, an Inspector from the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), said the platform complied with regulations and that the winner was selected transparently and fairly.
“The gaming sector continues to grow, and platforms like Piku are not only entertaining but also contributing to the broader economic agenda,” she said.
With the launch of Piku, Tanzania’s digital landscape gains a fresh player one that promises to blend entertainment, innovation, and economic empowerment, especially for the underserved.