Excerpt from Interview with Kusiluka Aginiwe, Builders of Africa’s Future (BAF) 2024 Alumni and Smart Darasa CSO on the partnership with George Akilimali, BAF 2022 Alumni and CEO and Co-founder of Smartcore to launch Ekima Africa
On March 14, 2025 They signed a partnership agreement, marking the first-ever startup collaboration of this kind in Tanzania. Together, they deliver cutting-edge technologies such as video simulations, 2D/3D animations, AR/VR, and AI-driven tools.
What inspired the collaboration between Smartdarasa and Smartcore to form Ekima?
How did your participation in the BAF program contribute to the development and success of both Smartdarasa and Smartcore, and ultimately, the creation of Ekima?
What are the specific challenges you aim to address within the African education sector?
We aim to bridge the 80% quality education gap in Africa. Key challenges include insufficient learning resources, inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and outdated curriculum delivery methods. Ekima aims to provide accessible, interactive, and high-quality digital interactive education to address these issues.
What are your key priorities for scaling Ekima in the coming months? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about?
- Expanding Reach: We’re finalizing an MoU with an organization overseeing 1,000+ schools in Tanzania, which will impact 350,000+ students and teachers.
- Enhancing our platform based on 250+ teacher feedback and user data.
- Delivering on our 300 million contract to pilot an interactive learning platform.
- Building Partnerships: We’re actively engaging with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners to scale our impact.
- B2B & B2G Business Model.
How can the broader community, including potential investors and partners, support Ekima's growth and impact?
- Strategic introductions to governments, NGOs, and impact investors.
- Expert advice on scaling strategies.
- Partnerships with organizations aligned with our mission.
What message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in Africa who are looking to make a difference through technology and education?
The journey won’t always be easy, but with passion, resilience, and a clear vision, you can achieve incredible things. Africa’s challenges are vast, but so are the opportunities to create meaningful impact. Focus on solving real problems, be open to collaboration, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.
African Diaspora Network is thrilled to share this accomplishment and we eagerly anticipate the outcomes and future of this partnership. Read more about the birth of Ekima here.
Stay tuned for more information on the African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 Entrepreneurial Success Stories and Innovator Showcase. Visit the ADIS25 Webpage today for an overview of what to expect.
