The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tanzania has awarded 20 university student entrepreneurs more than TZS 70 million following the second season of the Youth Ignite Student Founders Fellowship.
The initiative, implemented through UNDP’s FUNGUO Programme and supported by the United Kingdom’s FCDO, the European Union, and the Government of Finland, aims to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among young Tanzanians.
The award ceremony in Dar es Salaam brought together students from various higher learning institutions who presented innovative business ideas addressing social and economic challenges.
The event highlighted a growing culture of youth entrepreneurship in the country and showcased solutions with the potential to make a meaningful impact on local communities.
Beyond financial support, participants benefited from business development training, mentorship, and guidance on preparing their ventures to attract investors.
Dr. Harun Makandi, Assistant Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, praised the program for aligning with the government’s agenda to foster commercially viable research and youth-led innovation.
“This initiative supports the government’s efforts to nurture a new generation of innovators and job creators. It reflects Tanzania’s commitment to integrating science, technology, and entrepreneurship into national development,” he said.
John Rutere, UNDP Tanzania Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized that the program contributes to the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.
“Achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy requires targeted investment in young people and their businesses. Youth Ignite is a clear example of an initiative that equips youth with skills, networks, and capital to grow impactful enterprises,” Rutere noted.
Winners of the fellowship, including Herriet Nairumbe of Niches Food Products and Irene George Ngatibigwa of Eco Mushroom, each received TZS 6 million to expand their ventures.
Herriet said the support would increase production and enable access to new markets, while Irene highlighted how the fellowship had enhanced her knowledge in marketing, investor pitching, and business networking, providing a strong foundation for growth.
Through financial support, mentorship, and skills development, the Youth Ignite Student Founders Fellowship continues to nurture a generation of young entrepreneurs whose innovative businesses are poised to contribute to Tanzania’s economic transformation.
By fostering creativity and removing barriers to investment, the program exemplifies how youth-led enterprises can drive sustainable development and inclusive growth across the nation.
