Communicating Innovation: From Local Stories to Global Opportunities

The Little Theatre, Haile Selassie Road, Dar es Salaam

28 May 2025

08:00 – 13:00

Event begin in:

Date

08:00 – 13:00
28 May 2025

Event Location

The Little Theatre, Haile Selassie Road, Dar es Salaam

About This Event

Organized by: Embassy of Finland and Nordic Innovation Agencies

As part of Nordic Week 2025, innovators, policy makers, and ecosystem leaders gathered at The Little Theatre in Dar es Salaam for an energetic event focused on startup communication, innovation ecosystems, and global collaboration.

Titled "Communicating Innovation: From Local Stories to Global Opportunities", the event aimed to elevate Tanzania’s innovation landscape by equipping entrepreneurs with tools to communicate their vision, attract investment, and scale internationally. Drawing on Nordic experiences in innovation and entrepreneurship, the day highlighted the importance of storytelling, strategic messaging, and cross-border partnerships.

Key Highlights

Opening remarks from H.E. Theresa Zitting, Ambassador of Finland, set the tone for a collaborative and forward-looking session.
Keynote address by Jani Ruuskanen (Digital for Tanzania Twinning Project) emphasized the role of digital ecosystems in transforming public services and startups alike.
Insights from local leaders such as Zahoro Muhaji, CEO of the Tanzanian Startup Association, and representatives from UNDP Funguo showcased inclusive innovation models and practical pathways to growth.

Hands-On Innovation Communication

The core of the event featured a pitching workshop led by Bamla Agency (Finland), where entrepreneurs received expert guidance on building pitch decks, refining their value propositions, and delivering compelling narratives.

Five selected startups took part in an open mic pitching session, receiving live feedback from Nordic ambassadors, Finnish communications experts, and Tanzanian ecosystem leaders—bridging the gap between local innovation and global opportunity.

A Platform for Exchange and Visibility

With support from innovation hubs, COSTECH, and Nordic partners, the event created space for showcasing solutions, sparking dialogue, and cultivating connections that can help Tanzanian startups thrive—both locally and internationally. Through real-world storytelling, strategic communication, and mentorship, “Communicating Innovation” served as a vibrant platform for turning ideas into impact, and visions into ventures.