Bridging Tanzania’s Skills Gap: The Launch of SmartLab Learning

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In Tanzania, the skills gap is a pressing concern, impacting graduates, corporates, individuals, organizations, and startups aiming for growth. With an estimated 40% of graduates facing unemployment, there is a clear need for practical skills and knowledge that align with industry demands.

This week Smartlab, platform that links learners and startups with corporates to empower disruptive solutions, announced the launch of SmartLab Learning, a transformative program designed to equip individuals and organizations with essential skills for success in the digital economy.

The launch was accompanied with a panel discussion with women disrupting “The Future of Work” : Dr. Mboni Kibelloh, PhD from DarasaTech, Lillian Secelela Madeje from Niajiri Platform, Anne-Marie Mulumba from Wabala Studio and Tzitzilini Nyirenda from SMART CODES.

Here’s a sneak peek at what they’re offering:

• Marketing School: The first cohort, focusing on the Sales Program, kicks off on August 15 for graduates and August 17 for executives.

• Product School: Dive into Product Design, Product Marketing, and Product Management.

• Eng/Tech School: Master Front-End Engineering, Back-End Engineering, and Cloud Engineering.

• Marketing School: Gain expertise in Marketing and Brand Planning, Strategic Advertising Management, Integrated Media Management, and Digital for Business.

• Design School: Explore Interactive Design, Visual Arts, Design Impact, and Graphic Design.

• Startup School: Develop skills in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Marketing.

Empowering Micro Enterprises: TBL PLC and Stanbic Partnership

We're excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL PLC) through the Stanbic Biashara Incubator. Together, they are launching the Resilient Innovations for Sustainable Enterprises (RISE) project, a transformative initiative dedicated to uplifting microenterprises in Tanzania.

This project focuses on:

• Financial Inclusion: Offering training and access to Stanbic Bank’s experts, providing key financial insights tailored to microentrepreneurs' needs.

• Enterprise Growth: Providing entrepreneurial skills training to foster business development and sustainability.

• Digital Literacy: Enhancing digital skills among traders to increase market competitiveness and efficiency.

• Product Awareness: Educating on key solutions that cater to their business needs, ensuring growth and sustainability.

The inaugural session took place in Arusha , with approximately 88 participants from the retail sector, including restaurant and bar owners, as well as stockists. This initiative is set to make a significant impact on the growth and sustainability of microenterprises across Tanzania.

MTI Hub Info Session

Entrepreneurs, innovators, community leaders, talents, and ecosystem enthusiasts came together to connect and share ideas at MTI hub info session.

The session featured the Managing Director of ShambaBox, Seth Mkisi, who currently manages the hub. He communicated the vision of MTI Hub as the go-to place for startups and businesses.

The hub aims to offer constant support to entrepreneurs, helping them launch and grow their ventures.

Lets Unpack

Dar es Salaam is rapidly emerging as a leading hub for innovation in Tanzania, hosting numerous incubators and co-working spaces. However, many of these hubs face the challenge of becoming ghost buildings when no events are hosted. This lack of constant engagement and activity can stifle the potential of these innovation spaces.

Addressing the Challenges: Enhancing Engagement at Innovation Hubs

To ensure that innovation hubs do not become mere event venues, it is crucial to establish continuous engagement, design a supportive environment and build a community. Here are some strategies to enhance engagement and ensure vibrant, dynamic spaces:

• Regular Workshops and Training Sessions: Hosting frequent workshops and training sessions on various aspects of entrepreneurship and technology can keep the community engaged and continuously learning.

• Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs can guide and support startups can provide ongoing value and motivation.

• Networking Events: Regular networking events can help build a strong community, allowing entrepreneurs to share ideas, collaborate, and support each other.

• Resident Entrepreneur Programs: Encouraging startups to use the hub as their primary workspace can ensure a constant activities and innovation.

• Community Challenges and Competitions: Organizing challenges and competitions can stimulate creativity and bring the community together to solve problems and innovate.

• Collaborative Projects: Facilitating collaborative projects among startups, talents and aspire innovators can facilitate a sense of community and shared purpose.

Early Bird Registration Open for East Africa Investment Forum 2024

This year’s East Africa Investment Forum will take place in Dar es Salaam on September 12th and 13th, under the theme ‘Invest & Partner, Leave No One Behind’.

Coordinated by the Tanzania Fintech Association (TAFINA) in partnership with fintech communities from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC, the forum aims to showcase the progress of the fintech ecosystem in East Africa. The event will feature a range of activities, including workshops, networking opportunities, investor pitches, and keynote speeches, all designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and investment in the region's fintech sector.

The forum welcomes individuals, corporate participants, and sponsors. Attendees can look forward to the following benefits:

• Individuals: Engage in one-on-one conversations with investors and venture capitalists (VCs) and enjoy exclusive access to speaker meet-and-greet sessions.

• Corporate Participants: Network with industry professionals, access event materials and documentation, engage in one-on-one conversations with investors and VCs, gain exclusive access to speaker meet-and-greet sessions, be recognized as partners in marketing materials, and receive a certificate of appreciation.

• Sponsors: Enhance brand visibility, build customer loyalty, showcase products and services, establish thought leadership, gain a competitive edge, and support industry growth.

Advantages for individuals and corporate participants will vary based on the registration pass tier selected.

For more information about the event, visit TAFINA.

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