The two-year project known as “Innovation” focuses on developing an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in three universities, namely Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) , Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and Iringa University.
Funded by the French Embassy in Tanzania and implemented by Sahara Ventures to support Tanzanian higher education institutions towards third generation universities integrating innovation and entrepreneurship beyond academics and research.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Nabil Hajlaoui said that the project has three main objectives, including strengthening the institutional and material capacities of universities, supporting the entrepreneurial journey of students and promoting entrepreneurship for employment.
“The project complements the efforts of the current government to equip universities with knowledge, tools and promotional resources; innovation, self-employment and entrepreneurial skills,” he said.
According to him, the project seeks to work with innovation hubs and technology transfer offices on campus to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and commercialization of research to create new solutions. and job opportunities.
COSTECH’s Director of Knowledge Management, Dr. John Mwera, said the project comes at the right time as the government implements the five-year development plan which also includes the promotion of innovation.
Sahara Ventures Managing Director Jumanne Mtambalike said his company is an innovation hub comprised of three entities: Sahara Consulting, which focuses on managing impactful projects; Sahara Accelerator, an impact accelerator that supports start-ups with technical support and access to investors; and Sahara Sparks, a business event management company.
Mtambalike said his mission is to build a stable ecosystem of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in Africa through consultancy and investment.
“Sahara Ventures also has expertise in agro-industry and has already carried out projects related to higher education. Sahara Ventures is in charge of leading the project and building the capacity of the three universities,” he said.
