DAR ES SALAAM: STARTUPS have welcomed the government’s plan to introduce a dedicated policy for the sector within six months, saying it could ease longstanding challenges, particularly limited access to finance and regulatory requirements that often burden early-stage businesses.
The proposed policy has raised hopes among entrepreneurs that their businesses will receive greater recognition and support, allowing them to attract investment, expand operations and contribute more to economic growth.
Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Zahoro Muhaji, said the government’s move demonstrated a commitment to developing the country’s startup ecosystem.
“If well-prepared, the policy will address many of our current challenges as startup issues were previously unrecognised because they were not included in any official policy framework,” Mr Muhaji said.
He said the proposed six-month timeline provided an opportunity for the association and other stakeholders to work with the government to develop a framework that responds to the sector’s needs.
Mr Muhaji said the policy should clearly define startups, establish institutional responsibilities and set a strategic direction for the sector’s development over the next decade.
He said Tanzania had more than 2,000 registered startups, alongside many others that had yet to be documented, highlighting the need for a comprehensive framework to support the growing sector.
He added that startups had attracted nearly 90 million US dollars (more than 200bn/-) in capital in 2026 alone, demonstrating their potential to attract investment.
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For her part, Senjaro Pay Marketing Officer, Ms Humility Frank, said the government’s plan had renewed confidence among young entrepreneurs who have long faced uncertainty in their dealings with public institutions and the private sector.
Senjaro Pay is a local financial technology (fintech) startup that enables businesses to receive electronic payments locally and across borders.
“We were very encouraged to hear the Vice-President direct the Ministry of Industry and Trade to address issues affecting startups. For a long time, there has been uncertainty in the relationship between startups, the private sector and the government,” she said.
Ms Frank said licensing requirements and other financial obligations could be difficult for early-stage businesses to meet because they lacked the capital and resources available to established companies.
“When you are starting a business, some requirements are difficult to meet because of financial constraints. A policy specifically addressing startups gives us hope that we will operate in an environment where we are heard and supported,” she said.
She said improving access to finance should be among the policy’s priorities, alongside measures to attract local and foreign investors.
Ms Frank said Senjaro Pay currently has 59 active local business users and aims to expand its customer base to more than 200,000 within five years, reflecting the growth ambitions of emerging technology businesses in the country.