Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has given the Ministry of Industry and Trade six months to develop a dedicated startup policy that will enable young people to access capital, markets and investment opportunities. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to create jobs and promote an innovation- and technology-driven economy in line with Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050.

Speaking at the opening of Startups Week at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Ndejembi urged financial institutions to establish accessible financing mechanisms rather than relying solely on loans. He also directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to collaborate with the Prime Minister’s Office to establish an Innovation Centre that will connect young innovators with local and international investors.

He said the government would continue opening up economic opportunities through the 30 per cent of public procurement set aside for special groups and empowerment funds amounting to TSh 200 billion. He stressed that the Tanzania Startup Association should be fully involved in developing the policy.

Meanwhile, Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga said the ministry was neither a police force nor an enforcement unit tasked with shutting down businesses, but rather an institution responsible for encouraging, nurturing and growing startups. She pledged continued cooperation with the private sector to improve policies and laws in line with technological changes, while the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) continues promoting Tanzanian products and innovations in international markets.