Through its acceleration programs, collaborative workspace, and networking events, Smart Lab provides young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to develop their ideas and build successful businesses.

Smart Lab is an innovation lab and accelerator launched in 2017 by the Tanzanian digital transformation company Smart Codes. It aims to “fuel learning institutions to change the future of their students by working hand in hand to meet corporate needs.”

In line with its stated mission, the accelerator connects educational institutions with corporate partners to implement innovative solutions that will impact communities, stakeholders, and the African population.  

Its corporate partners are typically companies that are already successful in tech and innovation. During its three-month Corporate Accelerators program, its partner in the program (Vodacom) mentors startups to help them build products and services that solve key challenges through rapid and lean experimentation techniques.

With its Smart Lab Talent, the accelerator assists partner companies in building top-notch engineering teams by offering its tech recruitment expertise.

It also organizes an annual series of quarterly events called Corporate Unwind, where the most influential companies in the Tanzanian ecosystem are invited to share their passion, tools, and tips to make and keep their company successful and influential in their field. The fifth edition took place in September 2022.

With the support of partners such as Seedspace, Ennovate Hub, Digital Opportunity Trust Tanzania, and X Prize Foundation, among others, Smart Lab has organized several hackathons, skills, and talent development programs. It has also created a coworking space for entrepreneurs to work, connect, and innovate collaboratively.

Melchior Koba