D4SLI - Twende | MIT D-Lab

Guided by a Twende technical mentor, two university graduates gain hands-on experience in prototyping innovative solutions. Photo: Gabriel Joseph (Bee You Media)

About Twende

Twende empowers Tanzanian communities to solve their everyday challenges through locally-crafted technologies. We provide hands-on training, collaborative Maker Spaces, mentorship, and business development support, fueling the journey from concept to tangible, sustainable solutions. Our dedication to co-creation ensures that innovations truly meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Vision for the project

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly growing problem in Tanzania. E-waste includes discarded or broken items like computers, phones, and appliances. These contain hazardous materials, and when improperly disposed of, release toxins into the environment. A 2020 report by the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics estimated that the country generates over 2,000 tons of e-waste annually. Studies indicate that up to 80% of Tanzania's e-waste ends up in landfills, releasing toxic chemicals that pollute soil and water sources.

The Design for Second Life Innovations project addresses this pressing issue. We equip Tanzanian communities with the resources and skills to transform used electronics into new, life-improving technologies. This project has the potential to significantly reduce e-waste in Tanzania while fostering valuable tech skills and innovation. Our goal is to promote sustainability and turn the environmental challenges of e-waste into an opportunity for positive change.

We've already seen the creativity of our participants, and we're confident this project will further fuel their potential to build a more sustainable future in Tanzania.

Why our approach matters

Local Solutions: Empowering Tanzanians to develop solutions ensures technologies are tailored to their unique challenges and environment.
Sustainability: Upcycling e-waste fosters a responsible approach to technology, reducing the need for new imports and the damage caused by improper disposal.
Skills Development: Provides valuable tech skills for community members, fostering innovation and potential economic opportunities.

We believe Tanzanian communities hold immense potential for solving their own challenges. Through this project, we aim to spark a wave of locally-driven, sustainable innovation.