COSTECH, in partnership with Sahara Ventures, starts program to support 1,000 youth startups over four years

Dar es Salaam – The National Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has officially rolled out a nationwide initiative to fast-track the growth of youth-led startups and strengthen Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem, called Tanzania Ventures Lab. This program is a joint effort with Sahara Ventures, aiming to link innovators, researchers, private sector investors, and government institutions to create better social and economic opportunities. The launch took place at COSTECH headquarters on March 12, 2026, bringing together government agencies, universities, innovation hubs, private sector representatives, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners. According to Sahara Ventures CEO, Jumanne Mtambalike, the program will be run through the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), targeting 1,000 startups over four years, with 250 startups supported each year in six strategic sectors: mining, energy, tourism, agriculture and livestock, manufacturing, and technology. COSTECH Director General, Amos Nungu, emphasized that many startups struggle with technical support, commercialization of research, and access to capital and markets. He highlighted that the program is designed not just to support individual startups but to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem through collaboration among government, universities, private sector, investors, and development partners. DTBi Director, Patience Karua, added that the initiative will help young entrepreneurs position their businesses, attract investment, and improve market readiness.