Seedstars opens applications for Tanzania competition

The event will take place in Dar es Salaam on September 24, with up to 10 startups to pitch for the chance to compete for up to US$1 million in equity investment at the global final in Switzerland next year.

Seedstars World has already chosen winners in Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, Ghana,Ivory Coast and Mali.

“The startup ecosystem in Tanzania has been growing exponentially and so has the quality of the startups themselves. We are looking forward to seeing what awaits us in this exciting place and cannot wait for our event,” said Selam Kebede, associate at Seedstars World.

The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications – through TANZICT and the ICT Commission – is acting as the main partner for the event.

“It is our effort to see that startups in Tanzania gets the attention they need from the government. In achieving that goal, we are supporting Seedstars this year because we need to give exposure to our Tanzanian startups to get international attention,” said Eng.Clarence Ichwekeleza, director for communication services at the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications.

Seedstars World is working with local organiser Buni Hub, which is representing the initiative throughout the year. Tanzania was represented at the global final last year by solar startup Juabar.

“Seedstars is truly a global entrepreneur and investor network. The quality of the programming and networking is high. Aside from meeting investors, which is always important for these types of endeavours, it was great to meet so many entrepreneurs in similar growth stages as Juabar, yet from such diverse industries and markets. It was the most valuable entrepreneurial experience to come through Tanzania,” said Olivia Nava, chief executive officer (CEO) of Juabar.

Source : Disrupt Africa