Dar es Salaam. Airtel Money, in partnership with Buni, Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBI), Vocalize IoT Project and Techstar Innovation Hub, has organised an Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Literacy training programme that brought together university and VETA students from across Tanzania.
The initiative aims to equip young people with practical innovation skills, enabling them to develop technology-driven solutions that address community challenges, promote entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities through the digital economy.
The training programme is designed to provide participants with hands-on knowledge of IoT technologies, strengthen their innovation capabilities and demonstrate how digital financial services can be integrated into technology-based solutions to drive socio-economic development.
Speaking during the training, Airtel Money’s Manager for Financial Services, Foreign Transactions and Digital Platforms, Ms. Rita Nyamwehura, said Airtel Money remains committed to empowering Tanzanians through digital financial services in support of the Government’s agenda to increase the adoption of electronic payments and reduce reliance on cash transactions.
She encouraged young people to take full advantage of Airtel Money services, including purchasing airtime and data bundles, paying utility bills, making merchant payments through Lipa Namba, and accessing a wide range of digital financial services available across the country.
“At Airtel, we are committed to ensuring our services reach every Tanzanian, whether in urban or rural communities, through secure, convenient and reliable digital solutions. We believe digital technology is a key driver of economic growth and youth empowerment. Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire young innovators to develop solutions that address real-life challenges while contributing to Tanzania’s digital transformation,” said Ms. Nyamwehura.
Meanwhile, JATEC Business Development Manager, Mr. Elia Kinshaga, said the training was designed to build young people’s capacity to develop IoT-based solutions capable of addressing some of Tanzania’s most pressing societal challenges.
He noted that the advancement of science and technology requires young innovators who can think creatively and develop practical solutions across sectors such as water management, security, transportation, healthcare and public service delivery.
Mr. Kinshaga cited the example of prepaid smart water meters, explaining that such technologies help reduce revenue losses, improve transparency and enhance service delivery efficiency.
He further explained that through the partnership between Airtel and DTBI, Fursa Labs have been established and equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, including computers, internet connectivity and innovation laboratories that provide young people with the resources needed to design, test and develop new technologies.
According to Mr. Kinshaga, one of the programme’s success stories is Visomo, an e-learning platform developed by MagilaTech, which has enabled VETA students to access online learning. The platform is now being used both within and beyond Tanzania, including in Dubai and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He encouraged young people to believe in their potential, apply the knowledge they acquire, and continue developing innovative products and services that create jobs, improve productivity and contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth.
Participants who attended the training said it had broadened their understanding of how IoT technologies can be applied to solve real-world challenges and create technology-driven businesses.
One of the participants, Levina Chifiye, a student at St. Joseph University College of Engineering and Technology, said the training had enhanced her understanding of how IoT can be applied in areas such as security, transportation and digital payments. She added that Airtel Money APIs provide innovators with an opportunity to seamlessly integrate digital payment solutions into their technology projects.
