IN an inspiring display of innovation and entrepreneurship, 20 student-led businesses have emerged as winners of the YouthIgnite Student Founders Fellowship, receiving over 80m/.

The two-month competition, which concluded over the weekend, saw 30 businesses from 10 Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) across Tanzania showcase exceptional creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The fellowship, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, was made possible through collaboration between StartHub Africa Tanzania, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  Funguo Innovation Programme, and the Westerwelle Foundation Tanzania. 

Speaking during the awarding event Shakila Mshana, Director and Co-Founder of StartHub Africa Tanzania, expressed her excitement about the initiative’s impact. 

“We are thrilled to partner with UNDP Funguo and the Westerwelle Foundation on a programme that truly empowers young innovators across Tanzania,” she said. 

She said the pilot programme involving ten universities in Tanzania has showcased the transformative potential of practical entrepreneurship education. 

“Over the course of the initiative, students engaged in refining their business ideas, conducting customer and market research, and testing demand—key elements that laid the foundation for the results celebrated today,” she said.

She added: “At StartHub, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of changemakers, and YouthIgnite perfectly aligns with our mission to foster growth and create lasting impact.”

The programme which lasted for over two months provided students with workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities that helped them refine their business ideas and transform them into scalable, sustainable ventures.

Joseph Manirakiza, Programme Manager for the UNDP Funguo Innovation Programme, highlighted the critical role of Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions in nurturing innovation. 

“Strengthening the support system for student entrepreneurship at universities will help produce more job creators rather than job seekers,” he said. 

He added “Initiatives like YouthIgnite play a key role in driving sustainable development and fostering innovation, with the support of the UK Government and the European Union.”

He said the initiative highlighted how practical, hands-on approaches to entrepreneurship can prepare students to create scalable businesses with the potential to contribute to the global economy. 

The 20 winners will receive funding and ongoing mentorship to help scale their businesses. 

One of the winners, Scolla Jonathan, a student from Tengeru Institute of Community Development and founder of Skyverse Solutions, reflected on the significance of the programme. 

“Out of over 1000 applicants, I was chosen as one of the 30 students. Through StartHub Africa Tanzania, I gained invaluable skills and insights, and I’m confident that our business will make significant strides in the next five months.” 

The final week of the programme featured an intensive boot camp in Dar es Salaam, where participants received mentorship from industry experts and had the chance to present their businesses to potential investors, partners, and customers.

Beyond supporting individual founders, the YouthIgnite initiative also strengthens university-based innovation ecosystems by providing skills development for university hub managers, ultimately helping to build stronger entrepreneurship support systems at universities.

Dr Irene Isibika, Innovation Coordinator at Mzumbe University, commended the program for its alignment with the university’s mission of nurturing talent and fostering innovation. 

“YouthIgnite fits perfectly with our mission, and we are grateful to the UNDP Funguo programme, StartHub Africa Tanzania, and the Westerwelle Foundation for this incredible opportunity,” she said.

The YouthIgnite Student Founders Fellowship provides financial and capacity-building support to young entrepreneurs, with a focus on developing university-based innovation ecosystems. The program equips students with the resources necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs, enabling them to create their own employment opportunities and contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth. 

The fellowship is implemented by the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, a UNDP initiative co-funded by the European Union and the UK Government, in collaboration with StartHub Africa Tanzania and the Westerwelle Foundation.