Dar es Salaam, Tanzania| 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.