Networking & Collaboration
Technologies are vital to building climate-resilient, low-carbon societies. Many essential technologies already exist — the challenge is to get them deployed where they are needed, and to build the enabling environments to support technology innovation, adaptation and scale-up. An overwhelming number of developing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement indicate a requirement for technology support and capacity building in order to achieve their commitments. To meet this need, the CTCN serves as a demand-driven and trusted partner, matching the needs of developing countries for climate change-related equipment, methods, capacity development, and policy advice with the world-class expertise of its Network and our collaborators.
SmartLab Limited
SmartLab is a nationally recognized innovation hub and entrepreneurship support organization based in Tanzania, operating under the Smart Africa Group. Our core mission is to unlock Africa’s innovation potential by designing, delivering, and scaling solutions that drive economic empowerment, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
SmartLab’s activities are organized across five main pillars:
1. Accelerator Programs & Venture Support
We design and run high-impact accelerator and incubation programs for startups, SMEs, and women-led businesses. These include: • Investment Readiness Programs • ClimateTech & AgriTech Accelerators • Hackathons & Innovation Challenges • Founder Capacity Building Bootcamps
Our programs blend funding access, technical assistance, mentorship, and investor matchmaking - working with partners like Climate-KIC, CRDB Bank, NBC Bank, Irish Aid, UNIDO, and others.
2. Talent Development & Job Matching
Through our SmartLab Learning Schools and the TAYARI Platform, we upskill youth and professionals in digital and business skills while linking them to job opportunities.
Key activities include: • Online and hybrid learning programs in Product Management, Marketing, Tech, Startups, and Creative sectors. • Partnerships with companies for talent placement and recruitment services. • Use of data-driven LMS & hiring platforms to bridge the skills-employment gap.
3. Corporate & Government Innovation Consulting
We support public and private sector institutions to design and implement innovation strategies aligned with their business goals.
Our services include: • Innovation Hub setup and management • Product and service co-creation labs • Digital transformation strategies • Research, ecosystem mapping, and toolkit development
4. Ecosystem Building & Partnerships
We act as a convener of ecosystem players - startups, corporates, investors, development partners, academia, and government - to foster collaboration and co-investment.
This includes: • Hosting multi-stakeholder events like Innovation Cluster Dinners, Startup Weeks, and Pitch Days • Facilitating international partnerships • Engaging in regional innovation networks across East and West Africa
5. Digital Platforms & Technology Integration
We develop and manage proprietary and partner-linked digital platforms to deliver learning, matchmaking, and acceleration services.
Our flagship platform TAYARI integrates: • A Learning Management System (LMS) • A Talent Hiring Portal • Real-time dashboards and community engagement tools
SmartLab is more than an innovation hub - we are an engine for inclusive growth, a launchpad for solutions, and a strategic ally for development and corporate transformation. We combine insight, infrastructure, and influence to shape the future of entrepreneurship, climate adaptation, and talent development in Africa.
