Mobile network operator Vodacom Tanzania has launched a three-month accelerator in partnership with corporate access-led incubator Smart Lab with $150,000 in funding to train local entrepreneurs.
Vodacom Digital Accelerator will accept both early and growth-stage businesses in segments including mobile, telecommunications, media, health, education, e-commerce and financial technology.
The accelerator will be split into three phases and provide participants with access to Vodacom resources, mentors and partners, ahead of an investor’s day where an additional six months of support from the corporate and others will be up for grabs.
Vodacom Tanzania is a subsidiary of South Africa-headquartered Vodacom Group, which counts telecoms firm Vodafone among its shareholders.
Hisham Hendi, managing director of Vodacom Tanzania, said: “This will be an opportunity for startups and innovators in the selected criteria to showcase their products and also gain from the platform including exclusive partnership deals with Vodacom, mentorship, technical assistance, marketing and exposure to Vodacom and Smart Lab’s large network of partners and finally customers to test and experience their solutions.”