Next Generation Africa
INNOVATE LOCAL FOR GLOBAL IMPACT
Supporting the Innovation Ecosystem in Tanzania
Our Goal: supporting startups to transform local challenges into scalable global innovative solutions.
About the program
Startup Africa Roadtrip is a completely free initiative designed to support top entrepreneurs and innovators in East Africa. The program offers local mentorship, training, connections to investors and ecosystem partners, and a chance to win a trip to Italy for the best performers! Organized by the non-profit association BeEntrepreneurs, which has successfully conducted three bootcamps programs in Kampala, Nairobi, and Kigali, this new edition will take place in Dar es Salaam in August 2025.
Our mission is to identify and select startup founders, innovators, makers, and young talents who aim to develop impactful products or services. The chosen startups will participate in a complimentary week of training in Dar es Salaam from August 11th to 15th, 2025, with the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy in spring/summer 2026.
The Italian Roadtrip will allow the selected startups to showcase their projects to Italian professionals, universities, investment funds, and foster connections between these two dynamic innovation ecosystems. We strive to provide brilliant African innovators with the chance to build strong relationships with local and Italian and European stakeholders, promoting a win-win business approach and creating a collaborative, multicultural, and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem without barriers and borders!
The topics
The program is specifically looking for startups and innovators who are working on ideas with the potential for scalable impact. We are seeking solutions that not only address local challenges but also have the capacity to expand globally and drive meaningful change.
This initiative seeks to identify business ideas and startups, tackling challenges in various areas, including (but not limited to):
Education
Startups dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and fostering innovative learning techniques
Health & Well-Being
Startups committed to enhancing physical and mental health through well-being programs and health innovations
ICT & Fintech
Startups aimed at transforming financial services and promoting digital financial inclusion
Agritech
Ventures focused on improving agricultural methods and promoting sustainable farming practices
Climate & Environment
Innovators dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability
Tourism & Hospitality
Startups focused on enriching travel experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Blue Economy
Startups committed to sustainable utilization of ocean resources and promoting marine conservation
Logistics & Port Management
Ventures focused on optimizing logistics processes and promoting efficient port operations
Education
Startups dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and fostering innovative learning techniques
Health & Well-Being
Startups committed to enhancing physical and mental health through well-being programs and health innovations
ICT & Fintech
Startups aimed at transforming financial services and promoting digital financial inclusion
Agritech
Ventures focused on improving agricultural methods and promoting sustainable farming practices
Climate & Environment
Innovators dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability
Tourism & Hospitality
Startups focused on enriching travel experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Blue Economy
Startups committed to sustainable utilization of ocean resources and promoting marine conservation
Logistics & Port Management
Ventures focused on optimizing logistics processes and promoting efficient port operations
Benefit of Joining
If your startup is chosen to join the bootcamp week you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in intensive training sessions designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to grow your startup. You will meet with key local and Italian stakeholders, including industry experts, investors, and ecosystem partners, who will provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs. In addition to learning from experienced mentors, you will also have the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas, challenges, and opportunities.
What to Expect During the Bootcamp Week:
- Â Training and Learning: Participants will immerse themselves in intensive training sessions designed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge to grow their startups.
- Networking with Key Stakeholders: They will have the opportunity to network with mentors, potential investors, partners, and other key stakeholders, gaining valuable insights and making important connections.
- Personalized Mentorship: Startups will refine their early business features with personalized mentorship, working with experts to maximize their projects’ potential.
- Pitching and Storytelling: Participants will enhance their storytelling skills and develop compelling pitches to effectively communicate their ideas, through different pitch rehearsals.
- Investor Presentations: Startups will have the chance to present their ideas to the local investor network and other influential individuals, fostering meaningful conversations and potential collaborations.
- Community Building: All participating startups will become part of our vibrant community of professionals and innovators who share similar passions and ambitions, creating opportunities for ongoing support and collaboration.
On Demo Day, a panel of judges from Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem will evaluate the pitches and select the top 4 startups. These finalists will be awarded a fully funded trip to Italy to connect with the Italian innovation ecosystem.
Program Phases
1. Application
The first step is to apply to the call for startups by 30th of June 2025. To apply, we’ll need detailed information about your team, your project, and your startup, including insights into your revenues, customers, and overall vision. This is your chance to showcase your startup’s potential and set the stage for what’s to come.
What You Need:
- Pitch Deck (mandatory)
- Business Plan (optional)
2. Selection
Our selection committee will carefully review all applications and select the top 25 startups to participate in the bootcamp. During this phase, we may arrange one-to-one meetings with you, allowing us to get to know each other better and giving you the opportunity to present your startup’s potential in a more personalized setting.
What You Need:
- Pitch Deck (mandatory)
- Business Plan (optional)
- Prototype (optional)
- Visual explanations (optional)
3. Announcement
We will get in touch with the teams selected to attend the bootcamp in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The selected startups will be notified and provided with all the necessary details to prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Stay tuned, as this is the moment when your hard work and innovative ideas pay off!
4. Onboarding
Time to e-meet your future partners, mentors, and fellow startups. Once selected, you will be invited to a special onboarding call where we’ll provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the bootcamp in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This call will cover everything from the logistics of the bootcamp to what you can expect during the program, ensuring you’re ready to make the most of this experience.
5. Bootcamp
Get ready for an intense and rewarding journey of learning by doing. Over the course of the bootcamp (scheduled for 11-15th of August 2025), you will participate in hands-on sessions, attend workshops, and engage in fruitful meetings with key members of the local innovation ecosystem. It will be a week full of inspiration, collaboration, and growth, all aimed at accelerating the development of your startup.
6. Final event
The program will culminate in the Demo Day, where you will have the chance to showcase the progress you’ve made during the bootcamp. During this event, we will announce the 4 winning startups that will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy in spring/summer 2026. This is your moment to present your refined ideas, connect with investors and mentors, and take your startup to the next level.
ARE YOU READY to
MAKE THE DIFFERENCE?
The call is open.
don’t miss the opportunity!
To participate, startups must meet a few essential eligibility criteria – including team composition, stage of development, and impact potential.
You’ll find all the details in the Terms & Conditions below – please make sure to read them carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help!
FAQs
Do I need to be based in Tanzania to apply?
No, you don’t. We accept applications from startups based all over the African continent. However, please note that we prioritize startups that have a local impact and focus on solving challenges relevant to their community. While we encourage applicants from across Africa, we will give preference to startups based in East Africa. If you’re selected to participate in the bootcamp, you will be responsible for covering your own travel and accommodation expenses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
What kind of projects can apply?
We welcome all kinds of projects, from ideation to pre-seed stage, as long as you can clearly demonstrate the positive impact your project will have on the local community. Whether you’re just starting or already have a prototype, we encourage you to apply. Don’t be shy! Here and here you can find examples of some past bootcamp finalists to give you an idea of the types of projects we’ve supported and some extended success stories in our blog.
What is included in the program?
The program is completely free of charge, providing training, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and partners. However, please note that if your startup is not based in Dar es Salaam, you will be responsible for covering your own travel and accommodation expenses during the bootcamp. We will, however, provide lunch and refreshments throughout the bootcamp.
Additionally, if you’re traveling from abroad, you will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas for Tanzania. Our goal is to offer a transformative educational experience, but travel and accommodation costs must be covered by the participants.
Will I be notified even if I’m not selected for the bootcamp?
Yes, we aim to notify all applicants about the outcome of their application. Given that in previous programs we received hundreds of applications, please be patient as it takes time to thoroughly review each submission and determine which startups are the best fit for the program. Our communications will be sent out in waves but rest assured that you will receive an update on the status of your application.
The mission of BeEntrepreneurs is to support the growth of sustainable new businesses, by forming a new generation of entrepreneurs, through the development of core skills and the use of specific startup acceleration tools.
BeEntrepreneurs offers a next-level accelerator and mentorship program that is built on exciting roller coasters of activities of various types and formats. Our team is made of volunteers with extended professional experience in international ventures, with some highly specialized profiles leading world-class entrepreneurial programs. They’re ready to guide startups through actionable best practices, inspiring talks, memorable group activities, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
PROMOTERs & Supporters
promoters & supporters
Ecosystem Partners
Ecosystem Partners
Education Partner
education Partner
TECHNICAL PARTNERS
Technical Partners
