In Tanzania, access to a smartphone and the internet transformed the life of a young student, turning him from a scholarship seeker into a recognised tech entrepreneur. His story illustrates how digital tools are creating opportunities for African youth to overcome systemic barriers and build solutions for millions.
From WhatsApp groups to mobile innovation
At the age of 17, Tanzanian student Isaya Yunge began sharing information about international scholarships with peers through WhatsApp groups. He quickly realised that the lack of a centralised resource was leaving thousands of students without opportunities. Motivated by this gap, Yunge developed SomaApp, a mobile platform designed to help African students find and apply for scholarships directly from their smartphones.
Impact on education access
Since its launch, SomaApp has connected more than 7,000 young Africans with educational opportunities they might otherwise have missed. The application streamlined what was previously a fragmented and inaccessible process, giving students across the continent a new gateway to higher education abroad. The initiative earned Yunge the Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2018, bringing international recognition to his work.
Entrepreneurial expansion
Building on SomaApp’s success, Yunge went on to co-found ventures in artificial intelligence and wearable technology, including a smart speaker and a smartwatch tailored to African markets. These projects address local needs in data collection, health monitoring and digital access, underscoring the potential for African entrepreneurs to scale globally relevant innovations from simple beginnings.
Smartphones as catalysts of change
Yunge’s journey highlights the role of smartphones as enablers of entrepreneurship across Africa. Similar stories have emerged in other sectors: in Kenya, Danson Muchemi created JamboPay, a digital payments platform that allows users to pay bills and taxes by phone. Both examples show how mobile connectivity is providing practical solutions in education, finance and public services.
Broader significance
For policymakers and investors, these cases illustrate how bridging the digital divide can generate not just inclusion but also innovation. With Africa’s young population driving smartphone adoption at one of the fastest rates in the world, the continent is poised to deliver more grassroots success stories that reshape global perceptions of entrepreneurship.
REFH – Newshub, 5 September 2025
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