The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Angellah Kairuki, has said technological innovation is a key tool for increasing productivity, creating new businesses, generating employment and promoting economic growth in the digital era.
Kairuki made the remarks today, October 2, 2026, in Dodoma while launching a programme aimed at providing capital to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) start-ups.
She said the Government recognises the importance of innovation, noting that the National Development Vision 2050places emphasis on the use of ICT as a catalyst for achieving the country’s development goals.
“The Government has continued to create an enabling environment for promoting innovation through institutions including the Tanzania ICT Commission and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, while strengthening national skills and capacity in the sector,” she said.
Kairuki said the Government’s goal is to ensure that good ideas developed by Tanzanians do not remain ideas, but are supported with the necessary environment to transform them into products, services and businesses capable of growing and eventually competing in the global market.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of the Tanzania ICT Commission, Dr Henry Mwanyika, said start-up companies had for a long time struggled to grow due to limited access to capital.
He said the introduction of programmes such as the newly launched initiative would help address the challenge and enable start-ups to compete both domestically and internationally.
“This programme is in line with the ICT Commission’s vision and the National Development Vision 2050. As a Commission, we serve as a bridge to support young people before and after they access opportunities. This programme will help promote economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people,” he said.
Dr Mwanyika clarified that the funds provided under the programme are loans and not grants, meaning beneficiaries are required to repay every shilling so that the funds can be used to create opportunities for other young entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the event, Tanzania Start-up Association Executive Director Zahoro Muhaji said approximately Sh1 trillion has been invested in ICT start-ups in Tanzania since 2021, a development he said has contributed to the growth of the sector and created more opportunities for young people and technology innovators.
“The capital provided through this programme is neither a donation nor a grant. As beneficiaries, we must ensure that the funds are used productively and repaid so that other start-ups can also have an opportunity to benefit,” he said.