DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is stepping up efforts to turn youth innovation into businesses and jobs through startup financing, tax incentives and support programmes aimed at overcoming barriers to commercialisation.
Youth Development Minister, Joel Nanauka said the government was ready to consider proposals to simplify documents, policies and administrative procedures that hinder young entrepreneurs from accessing empowerment opportunities.
Speaking recently during an online programme, the Minister urged young people to monitor funding announcements, apply and register on the Youth Empowerment System (YES) and Vijana Connect portal for loans, scholarships and international opportunities.
Mr Nanauka highlighted first-year income tax relief for eligible startups, intended to preserve capital for product development, staffing and business expansion.
“The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is also supporting innovators through grants, incubation, technical assistance and investor connections. COSTECH-backed Novfeed, founded by Diana Orembe and registered in 2020, received a 10m/- grant through Commission and Dar Teknohama Business Incubator.
Ms Orembe said the aquaculture and organic fertiliser company had established a factory with annual fish-feed production capacity of 6,000 tonnes and introduced Ecovita fertiliser.
The business is valued at more than 100m/-, employs 20 young people and serves over 3,000 farmers and livestock keepers, she said.
Another beneficiary, Arusha-based Imara Tech, received a 20 million/- grant to test its innovation before securing an additional 40m/- through the National Science, Technology and Innovation Competitions (MAKISATU).
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The founder, Alfred Chengula said his company’s participation in a business platform in Finland helped the firm to secure an international investor, increasing production capacity from 10 machines to 60 within 15 days.
COSTECH Director General, Dr Amos Nungu said the commission supports innovators through Buni Innovation Hub, Dar Teknohama Business Incubator, the Centre for Development and Technology Transfer and the National Fund for the Advancement of Science and Technology (MTUSATE).
“Buni helps earlystage innovators develop minimum viable products through three months of technical guidance, while Dar Teknohama supports businesses with completed products to develop commercial strategies and attract investors.
MTUSATE senior officer Ntufye Mwakigonja said MAKISATU had reached more than 3,000 innovators, supported about 400 and helped establish 75 startups.
“Last year, the commission partnered with CRDB Bank to establish a financing window backed by guarantees, through which 10 young entrepreneurs secured loans totalling 1bn/-,” Mr Mwakigonja said.
He said the commission works with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) to train innovators on intellectual property protection and help them secure ownership rights to their innovations.