Govt hails CRDB, UDSM partnership
A New Era of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Tanzania
The collaboration between the CRDB Bank Foundation and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has been recognized as a significant step forward in fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Tanzania. This partnership, highlighted during the launch of the IMBEJU-UDSM Startup Challenge 2026, is seen as a model for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, emphasized the importance of this initiative during the event. He stated that the partnership reflects the direction Tanzania is taking as a nation that values not only the creation of knowledge but also the development of innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical skills that contribute to economic growth.
"This partnership reflects the direction we want to take as a nation where universities nurture not only knowledge, but also innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills that translate into economic value," said Prof Mkenda.
The IMBEJU-UDSM Startup Challenge: A Platform for Innovation
The IMBEJU-UDSM Startup Challenge is a joint initiative aimed at supporting students and graduates in transforming academic projects, research, and innovative ideas into viable businesses. This program is expected to identify and support over 1,000 projects, marking a major shift toward turning academic research into practical solutions and sustainable businesses.
Through this challenge, participants will have the opportunity to develop their ideas into market-ready products, with the support of mentors, resources, and funding. The initiative is designed to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community and beyond.
Commitment to Economic Transformation
Managing Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, TullyEsther Mwambapa, highlighted the foundation's commitment to working closely with the government to drive inclusive economic transformation. She explained that by providing affordable seed capital and facilitating innovation support, the foundation is not just funding businesses but also building a strong foundation for the country's future economy.
"By providing affordable seed capital and facilitating innovation support, we are not just funding businesses, but also, we are building a strong foundation for the country's future economy," she said.
Since its establishment in 2023, the CRDB Bank Foundation has empowered more than 1.75 million women and youth entrepreneurs and disbursed over 21bn/- to support enterprise growth across sectors. This demonstrates the foundation's ongoing efforts to promote economic development and social inclusion.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Commercialization
Dr Amos Nungu, Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), emphasized the importance of transforming research into enterprises. He described the IMBEJU-UDSM Startup Challenge as a pipeline for building bankable startups grounded in science, technology, and innovation.
"This initiative is a pipeline for building bankable startups grounded in science, technology and innovation. It directly addresses the longstanding gap between research and commercialisation," he said.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of COSTECH to promote scientific research and technological innovation as drivers of economic growth.
A Dream Becomes Reality
Prof William Anangisye, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made through this partnership. He noted that for a long time, the university lacked a partner to help transform its ideas and research outputs into market-ready products.
"But now we have found a reliable ally, the CRDB Bank Foundation," said Prof Anangisye.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the university's journey to become a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. It represents a shared vision of creating a vibrant ecosystem where academic excellence meets practical application.
Conclusion
The IMBEJU-UDSM Startup Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a platform for nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. By fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government, Tanzania is taking important steps toward building a knowledge-based economy that drives sustainable development.
As the initiative moves forward, it is expected to create numerous opportunities for students, graduates, and researchers to turn their ideas into successful ventures. This collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships that can further enhance the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
