Vodacom and Smart Codes announce winners of the ‘Vodacom Digital accelerator Programme 2020’

Vodacom and Smart Codes announce winners of the ‘Vodacom Digital accelerator Programme 2020’

Technology and communication company Vodacom Tanzania Plc and Smart Codes have announced the top three winners of the “Vodacom Digital Accelerator.” Programme 2020.

The programme, which launched last year with an aim to help early-stage and growth-stage technology start-ups become profitable and revenue generating businesses received over 600 start-up applications in areas of agriculture, fintech, media, health, education and e-commerce. Over the past year, they have gone through training, mentorship and support.

Nguvu Kamando, Digital and Value Added Services Director, Vodacom Tanzania Plc, said Vodacom’s vision to take Tanzania into a digital world can only be achieved by encouraging technology driven ideas that bring sustainable change.

“We have been impressed and awed by all the start-ups that were selected for this maiden accelerator programme, they all had great ideas in using digital technology to change the way we do business but also solve issues of development. Congratulations to all the young people who participated and I encourage to think differently and utilise technology to make a difference. It is therefore with great honour that I announce the three start-ups starting with overall winner, first runner up and second runner up: Smart Class, Hashtag pools and, MYHI and E-DISPENSARY.”

Nguvu added that: “I extend my gratitude to staff including judges and mentors who gave out their time and worked tirelessly to make this happen. I thank the viewers who joined us online for your participation in making this event an example of inclusiveness in supporting innovation for impact in Tanzania.”

Among the key mentors in the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Programme and one of the most successful digital entrepreneurs Edwin Bruno, CEO and founder of Smart Codes called for scaling up support for innovation that can bring about rapid development through technological advancement.

“We cannot thank Vodacom Tanzania enough for playing a big part in pioneering technological advances in Tanzania but mostly for partnering with us in ensuring that we support start-ups in Tanzania who are coming up with brilliant tech solutions that will transform our nation. Smart Lab hopes to keep bridging the gap between start-ups and large corporations but mostly nurturing start-ups in Tanzania and Africa in general. I commend all the start-ups that worked hard to be part of the program showing much growth and I congratulate today’s winners.” Bruno explained.

Adam Juma, COO, Smart Class, a company that deals with connecting students with tutors and online learning, and the overall winner of the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Programme, called for more companies to support start-ups so that innovative business ideas can develop into big successful enterprises.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from Vodacom and Smart Codes that has given me more knowledge and insights on transforming an idea into a working business. I call on other big companies to emulate this initiative so that more local businesses can develop to the next level,” Juma said.

The Vodacom Accelerator Programme Tanzania has set an example for corporate companies’ participation in the innovation ecosystem. It is a call for all innovators, entrepreneurs and technology gurus to pursue this kind of initiative that will transform the Tanzanian society by creating groundbreaking solutions, solving the growing unemployment problem in the country and contributing to the economy.

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