In Tanzania, WFP set up its Innovation Unit in 2017 which has been instrumental in transforming WFP's operations and fostering the country's innovation ecosystem. In line with WFP’s Country Strategic Plan and SDG2: Zero Hunger, the unit integrates innovation across various programmes, including smallholder agriculture, market access, supply chain, nutrition, emergency preparedness, social protection and refugee support. The unit also leverages strong local connections, proximity to WFP activities and ties with the Tanzanian startup community. Collaborations with the WFP Innovation Accelerator and IGNITE Innovation Hub has provided access to funding, mentors, and high-potential startups both regionally and globally.

Our work

The hub’s work in Tanzania includes the following workstreams:  

Tanzania innovation scan

Please use the link below to submit your startup venture to our database. Please note we are only adding teams that are working on solutions that are connected to SDG2 and/or WFP’s work in Tanzania in the fields of smallholder agriculture, nutrition, logistics, social protection, climate protection, and emergency preparedness & response. This is a continuous call and we will reach out to you when an opportunity to work together arises.

Innovation projects
Every Drop Counts (EDC)
This project supports oil distributors minimize spillage, maintain hygiene, ease operations, and enhance efficiency. With 44 dispensers at Nyarugusu camp and 34 at Nduta camp, the WFP Tanzania team improved the EDC design in 2024, tested the prototype with stakeholders, and implemented it in both camps. It is now an integral part of the oil distribution process, significantly boosting efficiency.
Digitization plan for the Kibaigwa market
In Tanzania, WFP conducted a joint assessment and developed a three-phase digitization plan for the Kibaigwa market. They procured and implemented the necessary hardware and software and trained local market staff. The initiative is running well, improving efficiency and data collection.
The Rail Cold Chain project
Aiming to link farmers with markets, the Rail Cold Chain project is in its pilot phase, connecting cities like Dodoma, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam reducing post-harvest losses for horticulture produce.
Support to School Feeding Programme
WFP completed its school feeding census in Tanzania, establishing a reliable database and interactive map. Data ownership will be transferred to the government for accessible use by relevant stakeholders in decision-making.

Clean cooking energy for host communities
Clean cooking stoves have been distributed to 5,001 in 13 villages in Kigoma as part of the clean cooking energy for host communities’ initiative. The initiative includes a five-year continuous monitoring of stove usage and a carbon credits component to generate additional revenue for supporting and scaling the innovation. In collaboration with village leadership, 13 village clean cooking committees have been established to serve as key liaisons between WFP and the communities. These committees are instrumental in facilitating two-way communication and ensuring a structured feedback mechanism for project implementation.
Clean Cooking Transition in Schools (CCTIS)
WFP’s Innovation and Energy teams, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy For All (SE4All) is implementing a Clean Cooking Transition in Schools (CCTIS) project - transitioning public primary schools from using firewood to clean cooking energy (electric pressure cookers) in 4 regions of Dar-es-Salaam (13), Kigoma (7), Dodoma (11), and Tabora (6). The first model kitchen has been launched at Kibasila Primary School in July 2025. 
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Contact

Questions? Contact Tayamika Mattao, WFP Tanzania Innovation Advisor