Following a successful partnership with a South African education technology startup last November, Tanzanian authorities are doubling down on their commitment to educational innovation by collaborating with a Ugandan firm.

On Tuesday, December 12, Ugandan technology firm HiPipo announced a partnership with the Tanzanian Information and Communication Technology Commission (TCIC) to accelerate financial and digital inclusion in the country. This collaboration will be powered by HiPipo's renowned "Include Everyone" program, aimed at fostering fintech innovation, empowering women in the sector, and attracting investments in the ICT industry.

"We are ecstatic to officially announce that a pivotal agreement has been signed and sealed between HiPipo and ICTC. This promising collaboration is aimed at expediting financial inclusion in Tanzania, under the renowned HiPipo Include Everyone Program, with the generous backing of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," reads a post on the LinkedIn page of HiPipo’s CEO, Innocent Kawooya (photo, left).

“The Include Everyone program activities operated globally by HiPipo will play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, driving economic growth, fostering ICT investment, advising stakeholders, and building a resilient, knowledgeable group of Digital Innovation and ICT Professionals in Tanzania,” the post continues.

While lagging behind some regional counterparts like Kenya and Rwanda in digital advancement, Tanzania has recently embarked on a journey to bridge the gap. It has multiplied partnerships with various countries, organizations, and startups to accelerate its digital transformation. Earlier this month, authorities announced the upcoming launch, in 2024, of a national framework for the digital economy. In the education sector, the country has also teamed up with South African startup Snapplify to improve the availability and quality of educational resources for students in Tanzania over the next three years.

Adoni Conrad Quenum