EDUCATION sector in the country is set for major transformation through a fellowship that provides specialised acceleration and support to technology startup companies seeking to increase their uptake.

The fellowship dubbed ‘Mastercard Foundation Edtech Fellowship’ is to be implemented by Sahara Consult in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and is in line with ongoing government efforts to strengthen education sector and foster innovation in learning methodologies.

It is against this backdrop that innovators in the country have been asked to submit applications for training and funds to develop their innovations to bring education solutions in the country.

Speaking during the introduction of the fellowship at the weekend, Sahara Ventures chief executive officer Jumanne Mtambalike said the aim is to support young Tanzanians with innovative ideas that use technology in education sector.

Over a span of three years, the fellowship programme will host three cohorts, with each accommodating 12 EdTech fellows, totalling 36. 

“The fellows will receive access to tailored technical and business support, regulatory guidance and strategic partnerships through networking opportunities. Additionally, they will have access to online short courses from the US-based Carnegie Mellon University focusing on learning sciences and engineering,” he said. 

He added that the fellows will also be equipped with tools for creating growth strategies for expansion and market penetration. Furthermore, they will have access to equity-free funding of up to $70,000 (tied to ongoing reporting), as well as post-programme support and ecosystem management.

The overarching goal is to enhance access to education nationwide through technology, with a bold target of impacting over 200,000 learners annually, especially the most vulnerable communities in Tanzania, he said. 

“Through this program, we anticipate a transformative shift that will empower Tanzania's youth and drive sustainable progress in the education sector,” he noted.

Mtambalike said that the ideal EdTech company candidates for this fellowship should be legally registered and operational in Tanzania, offering solutions tailored to address distinctive educational challenges. 

“The solutions should integrate cutting-edge technology and innovation and have progressed beyond the minimum viable product stage. Furthermore, candidates should have a diverse and inclusive team and demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality and safeguarding. They must exhibit substantial potential for scalability and impactful across Tanzania,” he said.

Samson Mwela, director of knowledge management at the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), said that the project aims to improve capacity of local innovators to support the government's ongoing efforts to promote local companies that have big contributions in the country.

"It is also a great opportunity for innovators in education sector to help find solutions in implementing education policy,” he said.

"We have been empowering innovators through and we continue to support start-up companies and this is a good opportunity to transform education sector through technology”.