Emmanuel Makoye
Ithabeleng Makhetha
Michelle Kim
Amulya Surabhi
Lakshmi Venkat
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
Megan Buchter
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tekSafari enforces quality education to students in Tanzania by implementing learning programs that make learning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics enjoyable. Additionally, these programs are based in Swahili, making it all the more easier for these students to grasp the concepts.
The innovation of tekSafari is its ability to provide online STEM resources and quality education to students in Tanzania. These resources include MathSafari, SernCode, and Nuru. Mathsafari aims to gamify and make math more approachable for the students. On the other hand, SernCode and Nuru are more focused on helping students learn to code in their native language, Swahili. The programs are designed and based on Swahili, so students do not need to worry about being discouraged by the language barrier. Iggy emphasized that “There’s not a lot of resources that will help them understand things in a simple language”, which is one main point with regard to how these solutions emerged. The kids had the talent, but they didn’t have the proper resources.
The tekSafari team, Iggy and the other co-founders, had the advantage of seeing Tanzania through a different perspective, almost like that of a foreigner’s. As Iggy stated, “It’s hard to think outside of the box when you’re inside the box”. This outlook helped the team think outside of the box when searching for solutions for their problems. TekSafari’s focused goal is to bridge this knowledge gap in young Tanzanian students, and the implementation of these learning programs based in Swahili fulfills it quite well. The team observes these students who were once unfamiliar with coding or circuits now able to conquer these challenges with ease.
The founders of teKsafari recognized a pressing issue in Tanzania’s education system—students were struggling with STEM subjects due to ineffective teaching methods, language barriers, and a lack of access to engaging learning resources. Ignas first recognized this issue when he studied abroad in Germany where he was able to look at the Tanzanian education system in a zoomed out perspective. For too long, the nation had relied on foreign technologies, neglecting local talent and imposing solutions that didn't fit the cultural and linguistic context.
After two years of researching Tanzania’s education landscape, Ignas and his team identified these systemic gaps and set out to develop practical, localized solutions to transform technological education and empower future innovators. This solution was named teKsafari derived from the Swahili word ‘safari’ meaning journey where “teKsafari means ‘its a journey’” mentioned Ignas. Teksafari’s mission was driven by the urgent need to create a sustainable pipeline of local tech talent in Tanzania. With a high failure rate in math and science, a passive learning culture, and a reliance on foreign contractors for advanced technical projects, the country faced significant barriers to developing homegrown innovation
tekSafari’s innovation has had a profound impact on technology education in Tanzania, particularly among underprivileged communities. Launched as a one-month initiative in 2022, the organization has now impacted over 2,000 students across seven regions, with 60% of participants being female. The short-term effects were immediate access to technology and coding education for children who had never used a computer. Many students gained foundational coding skills and had the opportunity to participate in events like teK-KonneKt and the STEM Fair 2023, showcasing their projects. This exposure not only helped students like Nehemia Kaaya secure funding for prototypes but also allowed others, such as Marion Xanfon Kennedy Nnko, to advance their educational and career prospects.
In the long term, tekSafari’s initiative is bridging the digital divide and fostering a pipeline of future tech leaders. Some students have earned scholarships and received international recognition for their skills, demonstrating the lasting impact of the program. The organization has continued to expand its reach through partnerships with local institutions, women’s empowerment groups, and STEM advocates. As a result, tekSafari has helped shape Tanzania’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, ensuring sustained impact for years to come by increasing female participation in STEM and providing the resources necessary for continued education.
Because tekSafari introduced Swahili-based coding workshops and hands-on STEM education, it has grown from a small initiative into a fully registered organization with sustainable operations and strong partnerships. The organization has secured funding through strategic collaborations with local institutions, women’s empowerment initiatives, and STEM organizations, enabling it to expand its programs across Tanzania. The success of initiatives like the computer learning center, regional STEM fair, and teK-KonneKt series has positioned tekSafari as a key player in Tanzania’s STEM education landscape, opening doors for new investment opportunities and sponsorships.
This growth has led to the creation of new employment and leadership roles within the organization. As tekSafari expanded its workshops and mentorship programs, it hired local educators, tech professionals, and interns, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills while helping to train the next generation of tech innovators. Additionally, the organization's increasing brand recognition and community engagement have resulted in higher demand for its programs, attracting international scholarships for students and funding to host more events and hackathons. This cycle of growth ensures long-term sustainability for the organization, allowing it to continue expanding its reach and solidifying its role in Tanzania’s tech ecosystem.
tekSafari’s innovation has had a significant societal impact by addressing the digital and educational divide in Tanzania, particularly among underserved communities. By offering Swahili-based coding workshops, the initiative has made STEM education accessible to children who previously lacked access to technology. The program has empowered young women, with 60% of participants being female, and promoted gender equality in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. The hands-on workshops have provided students with valuable technical skills, increasing their chances of pursuing careers in technology and improving their long-term economic prospects.
The environmental benefit is less direct but still notable, as tekSafari’s initiatives are fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving. By encouraging students to create tech-driven solutions for local challenges, the program is contributing to the development of sustainable technologies that could address environmental issues in Tanzania and beyond. The long-term impact on society includes the potential for a more digitally literate population that can engage with global tech trends, create eco-friendly solutions, and contribute to the broader goal of sustainability. By bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation of tech leaders, tekSafari is helping to shape a more inclusive, tech-driven society that fosters economic and environmental growth.
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tekSafari is a Tanzanian organization dedicated to making technology education accessible to underserved communities. By offering Swahili-based coding workshops, hands-on STEM training, and mentorship programs, tekSafari equips young learners with the skills needed to innovate and solve real-world problems. The organization partners with local institutions and STEM advocates to create learning opportunities, including computer learning centers and regional STEM fairs. Through its initiatives, tekSafari is nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy problem-solvers, empowering them to shape Tanzania’s future in technology