UNDP, VODACOM & COSTECH PARTNER TO HOST INNOVATION WEEK, FUTURE READY SUMMIT

Vodacom Tanzania PLC CEO, Philip Besiimire (left), the Director of the Centre for Development and Transfer of Technology, Dr. Athman Mgumia (center), representing the Director General of COSTECH, and UNDP Tanzania Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara (right), pose together during the official announcement of their partnership to host Innovation Week Tanzania 2025 (IWTz2025) and the Future Ready Summit 2025. These events aim to spotlight groundbreaking innovations and equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the future during an event that took place on February 5, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam| 5th February 2025 – In a spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to strengthening innovation and driving digital transformation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania through its FUNGUO Innovation Programme, Vodacom Tanzania, and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) have announced a partnership to jointly host Innovation Week Tanzania 2025 (IWTz2025). Anchored by Vodacom’s Future Ready Summit, this flagship event will take place from 12–16 May 2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, with nationwide satellite activities.

This year’s theme, “Innovation for a Resilient and Inclusive Future,” reflects a shared commitment to shaping smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban futures, addressing youth jobs in the digital era, and accelerating the commercialization of research and innovation.

Philip Besiimire, Managing Director of Vodacom Tanzania, emphasized that “the partnership marks a pivotal moment in redefining Tanzania’s innovation landscape, transcending national borders to unite global thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from Africa and beyond. By bringing international perspectives and expertise into these discussions, we aim to establish Tanzania as a vibrant hub for digital transformation, and a youth-led and youth-driven innovation ecosystem in the region. Vodacom’s commitment to harnessing technology to improve lives forms the foundation of this partnership, driven by a shared vision to empower Tanzanians to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable digital economy."

The Vodacom Managing Director further shared that as the anchor event for Innovation Week this year, the Future Ready Summit will carry the theme “Shaping Urban Futures: Smart. Sustainable. Inclusive” reflecting the urgent need to reimagine Tanzanian cities to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological disruption.

UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, Shigeki Komatsubara, reiterated UNDP’s role in nurturing an inclusive and resilient innovation ecosystem. "At UNDP, we believe that innovation is central to tackling the challenges of sustainable development and creating inclusive growth opportunities, that’s why UNDP has set up the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, with invaluable support from the European Union and FCDO. Through this partnership, we aim to unlock the potential of Tanzanians, particularly youth and women, to become drivers of transformative change. IWTz2025 will showcase Tanzania’s innovative spirit on a global stage, drawing inspiration and partnerships from successful ecosystems around the world."

The event’s agenda will feature keynote addresses, thought-provoking panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. Key focus areas include:

• Shaping Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Urban Futures,
• Youth Empowerment in the Digital Era
• Research & Innovation Commercialization.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Dr Athman Mgumia, Director Center for Development and Transfer of Technology Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering innovation. "COSTECH is dedicated to connecting stakeholders across the ecosystem to accelerate Research, Technology, and Innovation that aligns with Tanzania’s development priorities and Vision 2050. IWTz2025 will serve as a unique platform for the public and private sectors to jointly explore and drive solutions for sustainable growth."

With hundreds of participants, speakers, and innovators expected from Tanzania, Africa and beyond, both IWTz2025 and FRS2025 will serve as dynamic hubs for knowledge sharing, developing impactful collaborations, and inspire transformative ideas. In addition to events at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, partners are encouraged to host satellite events across Tanzania, ensuring the week’s impact reaches communities nationwide.

About UNDP’s FUNGUO Programme

The FUNGUO programme is committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tanzania through an integrated approach aimed at nurturing impact-driven startups and innovative Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By strategically addressing obstacles within the innovation ecosystem, FUNGUO seeks to create an empowering environment for innovators and entrepreneurs. The program's theory of impact posits that supporting and scaling startups and innovative MSMEs will not only generate jobs, particularly for women and youth, but also enhance income, leading to quality livelihoods and fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

Co-funded by the European Union (through the BEGIN Programme), the British Government (through the Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships, ATIP) and UNDP (United Nations Development Program), FUNGUO is implemented by UNDP Tanzania in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). This collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach ensures a comprehensive and impactful intervention in Tanzania's innovation ecosystem. Working closely with the Tanzanian Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) and other government agencies, FUNGUO aims to make a significant contribution to the country's sustainable development goals by fostering a supportive environment for startups and innovative MSMEs.

About Vodacom Tanzania

Vodacom Tanzania PLC is the leading mobile communication service provider with the fastest data network in the country. We provide communication services to over 26.3 million subscribers. Vodacom Tanzania and its subsidiary companies are part of the Vodacom Group registered in South Africa which is in turn owned by Vodacom Group Plc of the United Kingdom. It has been registered in the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) with registration number ISIN: TZ1886102715 Stock name: VODA.

For further information, please visit our website: www.vodacom.co.tz

About COSTECH

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) was established by Act of Parliament No. 7 of 1986, succeeding the Tanzania National Scientific Research Council (UTAFITI). As a parastatal organization, COSTECH is tasked with coordinating and promoting research and technology development activities across the country. It serves as the principal advisor to the Government on all matters related to science, technology, and innovation (STI) and their application in contributing to the socio-economic development of Tanzania. COSTECH operates under the ministry of education, science, and technology. COSTECH plays a key role in promoting science, technology, and innovation in Tanzania. It helps the government create and implement policies, supports and coordinates research across the country, and ensures modern technologies whether developed locally or imported are shared and used effectively. COSTECH also gathers and shares valuable information about science and innovation, raises awareness to make these topics more accessible, and works to secure funding to support related projects. Additionally, it encourages collaboration with other countries and advises the government on issues related to science, technology, and innovation.