Twenty high-potential Tanzanian startups will soon have the opportunity to showcase their innovation on the world stage thanks to a new strategic partnership between the Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) and the organizers of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, the largest and most influential tech and startup event in the world.
The selected startups will be part of an exclusive national delegation heading to Dubai for the 2025 edition of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, taking place from 12 to 17 October at Dubai Harbour and the Dubai World Trade Centre. This initiative marks a major milestone for Tanzania’s startup ecosystem, opening doors to global visibility, meaningful connections and real opportunities to scale.
TSA has been instrumental in supporting Tanzanian startups to participate in GITEX events over the years. Now, with a formal partnership in place, this collaboration goes beyond attendance. It creates a structured pathway for Tanzanian innovation to meet international investors, corporate partners and technology enablers. The aim is to help startups grow faster, smarter and stronger by plugging them directly into global deal flow and support networks.
The program is designed with tangible outcomes in mind. TSA will work closely with the Expand North Star and GITEX teams to identify startups with strong growth potential. These selected companies will also have their specific needs identified, whether funding, technical support, market access or partnerships. This ensures targeted matchmaking and meaningful meetings are set up before they even land in Dubai.
For startups, the value of joining the delegation is substantial. One of the key features is investor matchmaking, offering access to over 1,000 venture capitalists, private equity firms, accelerators and corporate venture arms. This provides a rare and focused opportunity to secure funding, mentorship and partnerships in a short span of time.
The selected startups will also have the chance to compete in the prestigious Supernova Challenge, where top global judges will award a $100,000 grand prize, along with special competitions dedicated to Women in Tech, ClimateTech and YouthX innovators. It’s a chance not only for funding but also for global recognition.
Additionally, participants will benefit from corporate deal flow, giving them access to major tech buyers from global giants like Salesforce, Citi, SC Ventures, Sony and Honda. These meetings are more than introductions. They can lead to contracts, partnerships or pilot projects. Startups also gain access to pilot and proof of concept matching, helping them join corporate innovation programs and receive funding to test and implement their solutions.
For those in need of technical infrastructure and cloud computing resources, the program offers direct cloud and tech partner introductions, connecting startups with global providers in AI, machine learning, edge computing and even manufacturing.
The opportunity doesn’t stop with early-stage startups. Those in the Series A and scale-up phase can benefit from the ScaleX Programme, which includes fully funded market-entry support, return flights, hotel accommodation, curated briefings on the Dubai tech ecosystem and even support in securing a UAE Golden Visa to ease business expansion into the Gulf region.
In addition to all these benefits, every participant will receive full access to GITEX Global, one of the biggest tech expos on the planet. Their delegate badges grant them entry into more than ten themed shows under the GITEX banner, including AI Everything, Fintech Surge, Blockchain, Marketing Mania, GITEX Impact and Quantum Tech. It’s an immersive experience that places Tanzanian startups at the center of global innovation trends.
For those interested, the next step is simple but urgent. TSA is currently selecting only 20 startups to form the official Tanzanian delegation. Interested entrepreneurs must complete the official application form by 30 July 2025. Early applications will give the TSA and the GITEX or Expand North Star team ample time to design the most valuable experience possible by aligning startups with investors, corporates, R&D collaborators or tech providers that suit their exact needs.
This partnership between TSA and GITEX is not just about attending a global event. It is about positioning Tanzanian entrepreneurs to lead, compete and grow in a global tech economy. For the selected 20, the journey to Dubai will be a leap toward international growth and long-term impact.
