Vodacom Leads Dialogue on 5G, Smart Cities at Innovation Week Tanzania
Vodacom Tanzania, UNDP Tanzania through its FUNGUO Innovation program and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) jointly spearheaded several activities at the recent Innovation Week Tanzania 2025 (IWTz2025). The event, anchored by the Future Ready Summit (FRS2025), wrapped up a powerful five-day journey of ideation, collaboration and solution-driven dialogue.
With the theme Innovation for an Inclusive and Resilient Future, the landmark platform brought together a diverse mix of policymakers, innovators, private sector leaders, development partners, academia, and youth to reimagine Tanzania’s development agenda through the lens of homegrown, inclusive, and tech-driven innovation.
The Future Ready Summit 2025 explored how Tanzania can accelerate its journey towards smart cities, 5G connectivity, e-governance and Artificial Intelligence, while also bridging the digital divide. It provided a space for policymakers, startups, and digital experts to engage in meaningful dialogue and unveil solutions that could propel Tanzania into a tech-enabled and inclusive future.
Simultaneously, Innovation Week Tanzania 2025 provided a broader picture for innovation in action. From community-led tech innovations to startup pitch sessions, climate solutions to digital skills initiatives, the week celebrated Tanzania’s innovation potential especially from youth and underrepresented communities. Tech exhibitions, roundtables, workshops, and policy forums created a dynamic environment for engagement, idea exchange, and cross-sector collaboration.
Philip Besiimire, Managing Director, Vodacom Tanzania
Any technology that is not human-centered and solving real human challenges is impractical. We must ask ourselves: is the technology we’re building truly usable by the average Tanzanian? Innovation must be inclusive, accessible, and transformational. That’s what we are building toward.
John Rutere, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Tanzania
At UNDP, our FUNGUO Program is designed to spark innovation among young Tanzanians. The program gives them access not only to tools, but to the environment and support networks they need to tackle real societal challenges and scale impact.