Vodacom Digital Accelerator season 4 launches, 15 startups set for global exposure
The 15 finalists of Vodacom Digital Accelerator Season 4 announced! The winners of Season 4 of the startup innovation program, organized by Vodacom Tanzania, pictured together with the company’s team after being announced at a recent event held in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania PLC, in collaboration with Huawei Tanzania, has officially launched the fourth season of the Vodacom Digital Accelerator (VDA)—a flagship initiative designed to support Tanzanian tech entrepreneurs and early-stage startups in scaling innovative solutions.
The 2025 edition kicked off on May 9 with the announcement of 15 selected startups that will participate in a five-day intensive Design Sprint, led by international experts from the global innovation network MassChallenge.
The sprint aims to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, improve product-market fit, and prepare for investment opportunities.
From this cohort, 10 startups will be selected to advance to a three-month acceleration program, gaining access to expert mentorship, tailored business development support, and opportunities to connect with both local and international markets.
A key highlight of this season is the international immersion in China, scheduled for June, where the selected startups will visit major innovation hubs, engage with top Chinese tech companies, and pitch their solutions to a curated group of investors and business partners.
Speaking during the launch, Zuweina Farah, Director of External Affairs and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, said the accelerator continues to be a launchpad for bold Tanzanian innovators.
“Once again, we are combining local ingenuity with global exposure, helping founders build solutions that are scalable, fundable, and ready for the world stage,” she said.
This season also introduces cash grants for the top three startups, marking a significant boost for early-stage innovators to accelerate their solutions and impact in Tanzania’s fast-growing digital economy.
Since its inception in 2019, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator has supported over 75 startups in building capacity, accessing capital, and expanding their networks. Season 4 continues this legacy with a renewed focus on digital inclusion, youth entrepreneurship, biodiversity conservation, and economic empowerment.
The Vodacom Digital Accelerator aligns with the broader national goals of promoting innovation, employment, and inclusive growth—making it one of the most impactful startup programs in Tanzania’s tech ecosystem.
