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| Pictured is Airtel Money's Manager for Financial Services, Foreign Transactions and Digital Platforms, Ms. Rita Nyamwehura, delivering a training session aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and fostering innovation through Internet of Things (IoT) technology. |
DAR ES SALAAM - August 7, 2026: Airtel Money, in collaboration with Buni, Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBI), the Vocalize IoT Project and Techstar Innovation Hub, has launched an Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Literacy training programme aimed at equipping young Tanzanians with practical technology and innovation skills to drive entrepreneurship, solve community challenges and create employment opportunities in the digital economy.
The initiative brought together university and VETA students from across Tanzania, providing them with hands-on exposure to IoT technologies while demonstrating how digital financial services can be integrated into technology-driven solutions that contribute to socio-economic development.
The programme reflects a growing commitment by both the private sector and innovation ecosystem to nurture the next generation of digital entrepreneurs capable of developing locally relevant technological solutions.
Driving Tanzania's Digital Economy
Speaking during the training, Airtel Money's Manager for Financial Services, Foreign Transactions and Digital Platforms, Rita Nyamwehura, reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding financial inclusion through secure and accessible digital financial services.
She said Airtel Money continues to support the Government's agenda of increasing electronic payment adoption while reducing dependence on cash transactions.
Nyamwehura encouraged young innovators to leverage Airtel Money's digital ecosystem, including airtime and data purchases, utility bill payments, merchant transactions through Lipa Namba, and other digital financial services available nationwide.
"At Airtel, we are committed to ensuring our services reach every Tanzanian, whether in urban or rural communities, through secure, convenient and reliable digital solutions. We believe digital technology is a key driver of economic growth and youth empowerment. Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire young innovators to develop solutions that address real-life challenges while contributing to Tanzania's digital transformation," she said.
Building Practical Innovation Skills
JATEC Business Development Manager Elia Kinshaga said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of young innovators to develop IoT-based solutions capable of addressing some of Tanzania's most pressing development challenges.
He noted that innovation has the potential to transform key sectors such as water management, transportation, healthcare, security and public service delivery through practical, technology-driven solutions.
Kinshaga cited prepaid smart water meters as an example of how IoT technologies can improve operational efficiency by reducing revenue leakages, increasing transparency and enhancing customer service.
Fursa Labs Supporting Young Innovators
Kinshaga also highlighted the partnership between Airtel and DTBI, which has led to the establishment of Fursa Labs—innovation centres equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, computers, internet connectivity and technology laboratories where young innovators can develop, test and commercialise their ideas.
He pointed to Visomo, an e-learning platform developed by MagilaTech, as one of the programme's success stories. Originally created to support VETA students, the platform has since expanded beyond Tanzania and is now being used in countries including Dubai and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He urged young people to remain confident in their abilities, continue applying the skills they acquire and focus on building innovative businesses that create employment opportunities and contribute to Tanzania's economic growth.
Participants Inspired by Practical Learning
Students who participated in the programme praised the training for expanding their understanding of how IoT technologies can be applied to solve everyday challenges while creating commercially viable digital businesses.
Levina Chifiye, a student at St. Joseph University College of Engineering and Technology, said the programme had deepened her understanding of IoT applications in areas such as security, transportation and digital payments.
She added that Airtel Money's APIs provide innovators with valuable opportunities to seamlessly integrate digital payment solutions into their technology projects, making it easier to build scalable digital products.
Why It Matters
As Tanzania accelerates its digital transformation agenda, partnerships between telecommunications companies, innovation hubs and educational institutions are becoming increasingly important in preparing young people for the future economy.
By combining digital financial services with practical innovation training, Airtel Money and its partners are helping to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped to develop technology solutions that address local challenges while creating jobs and supporting sustainable economic development.
For more Banking, Fintech, ICT and Business news from Tanzania and across Africa, keep following Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog for timely updates and expert insights.
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