Call for Research Assistant Volunteers for Startup Ecosystem Study 2024/25, The Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization representing over 800 startup members, primarily youth-owned businesses, across Tanzania. TSA works collaboratively with government institutions, academia, development partners, and private-sector organizations to foster innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Startups in Tanzania are leveraging emerging technologies to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education while significantly contributing to national development. Building on the success of previous reports, TSA’s Tanzania Startup Ecosystem Study 2024/25 aims to provide actionable insights to inform policies, catalyze investment, and support ecosystem growth on a global scale.
We invite passionate individuals to join this transformative initiative as Research Assistant Volunteers. Volunteers will assist with:
- Data collection (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and desk research).
- Data analysis (e.g., geographic, financial, survey, and benchmarking data).
- Report writing.
This is your opportunity to gain valuable experience, influence national policies and strategies, and contribute to shaping Tanzania’s startup ecosystem. Apply now and make an impact!
Objectives
The study’s overall objective is to track, assess, and quantify the growth and development of Tanzania’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem to inform the annual status and performance for 2024. Call for Research Assistant Volunteers for Startup Ecosystem Study 2024/25
Specific Objectives:
- Identify critical developments: Highlight challenges, opportunities, and key reforms implemented in 2024 to foster growth.
- Profile key ecosystem actors: Track the growth of key players and their roles in bridging gaps and strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape.
- Propose actionable recommendations: Provide policy and non-policy solutions to address challenges, unlock opportunities, and promote sustainable ecosystem growth.
Scope of the Study
The study will engage stakeholders from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar to ensure balanced national representation. While the research team will not travel nationwide, TSA will leverage its regional partners and collaborators to collect localized data and insights.
Key collaborators include:
- Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology (MICIT)
- Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MOIP)
- Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)
- ICT Commission (ICTC)
Additional contributions will come from government ministries, development partners, higher learning institutions, research organizations, entrepreneurship and innovation support organizations (EISOs), private sector players, investors, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and angel investors.
Volunteer Roles: Data Collection and Analysis
Responsibilities:
- Administer questionnaires to startups, support organizations, and key stakeholders.
- Facilitate focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather qualitative insights.
- Conduct semi-structured interviews with MDAs, EISOs, and startups.
- Perform desk research to review policies, reports, and publications.
- Analyze geographic data using tools like QGIS, OpenStreetMap, and MapChart.
- Present data using visualization platforms like Tableau, Power BI, and Excel.
- Prepare detailed summaries and insights for the final report.
- Create infographics and visual aids to enhance report clarity and accessibility.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational skills for managing surveys and interviews.
- Ability to maintain neutrality and confidentiality during discussions.
- Familiarity with data collection tools (e.g., Google Forms, Kobo Toolbox, SurveyMonkey).
- Proficiency in data analysis tools for quantitative data.
- Familiarity with qualitative analysis tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail to ensure data quality.
- Knowledge of statistical methods and data visualization techniques.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Gain practical experience in field research and stakeholder engagement.
- Receive a certificate of participation upon successful completion.
- Network with leading players in Tanzania’s startup ecosystem.
- Daily meal and transport allowances.
Personal Data Protection
We are committed to safeguarding your personal data in accordance with the Tanzania Personal Data Protection Act of 2022.
- The information you provide will be used solely for recruitment and communication purposes.
- Your data will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law.
- We have implemented robust security measures to protect your data.
By submitting your application, you consent to the collection and use of your data as described above. Join us in shaping the future of Tanzania’s startup ecosystem. Together, we can drive innovation, foster growth, and build a thriving entrepreneurial landscape. Application Deadline: February 2, 2025
