Tanzanian Startups Invited to Join Africa Blockchain Festival Fellowship

Tanzanian technology founders have been invited to apply for the Africa Blockchain Festival Fellowship Program 2026, which will connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors and other technology businesses from across Africa. The programme will run alongside the Africa Blockchain Festival, scheduled for October 15–17 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Despite its blockchain-focused name, the fellowship is open to founders working across a wide range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, digital payments, digital identity, healthtech, climate technology, mobility and software-as-a-service.

Founders from Tanzania are being encouraged to join entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and other African markets.

Connecting founders with investors

The fellowship is designed to give early-stage entrepreneurs access to investors, mentors and business networks that can be difficult to reach independently. Investment firms including Antler and Launch Africa Ventures are involved in the wider fellowship ecosystem, giving participating founders an opportunity to engage with investors that evaluate early-stage businesses.

For founders preparing to raise capital, these interactions can provide insight into how investors assess products, target markets, founding teams, revenue and commercial traction. The programme also gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet potential partners and other founders who could support regional expansion.

Opportunity for Tanzanian founders

The fellowship comes as Tanzania continues to build its startup and innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as Innovation Week Tanzania and regulatory programmes aimed at allowing new financial products and technologies to be tested in controlled environments.

Selected fellows can receive access to networking sessions, mentorship and investor-facing opportunities during the Nairobi event. Some participation pathways may also provide support covering travel, accommodation and festival access, depending on the programme and selection route.

Participation does not guarantee funding or investment. The main opportunity is to gain direct exposure to investors, mentors, potential commercial partners and other entrepreneurs from across Africa.

For Tanzanian founders looking to raise capital or enter new African markets, the fellowship provides a chance to test their pitches, improve investor readiness and build regional connections before pursuing larger fundraising rounds.