Building a Brighter Future, Together
Over 70% of youth in East Africa are unemployed or underemployed yet they live closest to the problems that need solutions. When their ideas stay untapped, so does our economic potential.
In 2007, Jim Elsworth founded Twende in Arusha, Tanzania, to ignite local innovation and empower entrepreneurs through cutting-edge technology solutions. During these early stages, Christonsia (Chris) Mushi joined Jim’s initiatives. By 2012, Bernard Kiwia launched AISE! (Accelerating Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship) to offer dynamic design training, mentorship, and life-improving inventions.
Their paths converged at the 2014 International Development Design Summit, which brought together 46 participants from 21 countries to collaborate on creating eight groundbreaking prototypes in just four weeks. Seeing their shared vision and synergy, Jim and Bernard merged their efforts in 2015, uniting to empower Tanzanians to design, develop, and disseminate transformative technology solutions to tackle community challenges.
Today, Twende’s impact is far-reaching, transforming communities across Tanzania. Our innovative programs empower hundreds of aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs, and students with the skills and confidence to address local challenges. From sustainable agricultural technologies to fostering STEM education, Twende’s initiatives create lasting change and drive community development. Through collaboration and practical solutions, we ensure the spirit of innovation thrives, profoundly improving lives and strengthening communities.
Provide communities with the knowledge, skills and resources to co-create technologies that solve local challenges and generate new opportunities.
We believe in doing the right thing in all circumstances
Our innovators create lasting legacies in the spaces they call home
We recognize that all aspects of society must lead the charge for change
We trust and use the design process throughout all our work, listening to feedback to co-create solutions with the community
We ensure that solutions are both sustainable and impacful despite financial constraints
Founder & Treasurer
Jim is a mechanical engineer with over 50 years of experience, including work with the UN and his own seed treatment start-up. In 2007, he founded Twende, driven by a passion to develop and disseminate agricultural technologies that improve the lives of small-holder farmers in Tanzania.
Fun Fact: Jim is a keen member of the Kilimanjaro Hash House Harriers, a social and fun running group in Arusha.
Founder
A renowned training consultant, Bernard is recognized as the ‘father of rural innovations’ in Tanzania. Featured in DW, BBC, and other publications, he brings his innovative approaches to skills development to Twende, empowering communities to create their own solutions.
Fun Fact: Bernard was once a DJ and used to do gigs in the slums of Arusha. You will know it’s Bernard driving when the car volume is at max.
Founder & Creative Trainer
Chris is a master craftsman and dedicated educator with over two decades of experience as a metal artisan, sign-graver operator, draughtsman, and teacher. He conducts onsite courses, empowering local innovators with his expertise. Chris holds a Trade Test Grade 1 from the National Vocational Training Centre at Moshi and is a D-LAB CCB Training of Trainers graduate.
Fun Fact: Chris loves to go some where he has never been. It doesn’t matter whether by car, bicycle or even walking. Whenever has time or feel bored he will go somewhere he never been.
Board Chair
Ellen is passionate about fostering innovative solutions and empowering self-starters within Tanzanian communities. As Board Chair, she brings her leadership and expertise to guide Twende’s strategic direction.
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Jim is a mechanical engineer with over 50 years of experience, including work with the UN and his own seed treatment start-up. In 2007, he founded Twende, driven by a passion to develop and disseminate agricultural technologies that improve the lives of small-holder farmers in Tanzania.
Fun Fact: Jim is a keen member of the Kilimanjaro Hash House Harriers, a social and fun running group in Arusha.
Board Secretary
Andrew Rummel is a former Jamii Tech innovator passionate about community-driven technology. He now serves on Twende’s Board, bringing a global perspective to grassroots innovation.
Member
Eligibor is an accounting professional with over 8 years of experience. He brings his financial expertise to the board, ensuring responsible management of Twende’s resources.
Partnerships
Angela leverages her experience in governance and startup support to foster strategic collaborations that amplify Twende’s impact.
International Partnerships
Jack facilitates global connections and growth strategies for social enterprises, expanding Twende’s international reach.
Programs
Claude oversees program quality and marketing, ensuring strategic alignment with Twende’s mission and driving impactful outcomes.
Director of Program
Epifania manages program logistics and provides inspirational leadership to the Twende team. She is a passionate advocate for rural development and women’s empowerment, with a BA in Rural Development from Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Fun Fact: Epifania enjoys Catholic gospel music so much that she attends church services on Sundays specifically to listen to the choir and hymns.
Director of Technology, Innovation and Training
Chris is a master craftsman and dedicated educator with over two decades of experience as a metal artisan, sign-graver operator, draughtsman, and teacher. He conducts onsite courses, empowering local innovators with his expertise. Chris holds a Trade Test Grade 1 from the National Vocational Training Centre at Moshi and is a D-LAB CCB Training of Trainers graduate.
Fun Fact: Chris loves to go some where he has never been. It doesn’t matter whether by car, bicycle or even walking. Whenever has time or feel bored he will go somewhere he never been.
Finance & Administration
Shalom is the backbone of Twende’s financial operations, ensuring financial stability and growth. Her meticulous management of finances and administration, combined with her BA in Accounting from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy(TIA) , provides a solid foundation for Twende’s operations. Additionally, she volunteers for a children’s camp.
Fun Fact: Shalom can navigate a car with ease, but somehow the concept of balancing on two wheels completely eludes her. She has never learned to ride a bicycle.
Creativity & Design Thinking Trainer
Luqman, a graduate of the Jamii Tech Incubation Program and co-creator of an innovative maize shelling and threshing machine, is a skilled technician and innovative designer. He brings his expertise in motor rewinding, electric isolation, basic electronics, and SOLIDWORKS to support Twende’s training programs and assist innovators.
Fun Fact: Luqman’s ideal meetings must have food.
Media & Communication
Education Coordinator
Witness coordinates Twende’s education programs, including Innovation Clubs and Build-it workshops, and serves as a vital community liaison. She is also responsible for internal and external communications, ensuring effective outreach and engagement.
Fun Fact: Witness loves smiling, people say it’s contagious.
Head of Makerspace
Amani is the driving force behind Twende’s makerspace, transforming it into a vibrant hub of innovation. A former participant in the Jamii Tech Program and co-creator of the Ugali making machine, Amani brings his mechanical expertise and passion for hands-on learning to empower other innovators.
Fun Fact: Â When he was 7 years old, Amani discovered he could reuse dead batteries to light their home. Since then he has become a curious and enthusiastic problem solver using innovative techniques.
Community Engagement
M&E
Graphic Design
Fundraising
Content & Social Media
Emerging Tech & Software Development Trainer
Website Design & Development
Communities transformed through skills to create technologies that improve livelihoods.
In our journey of empowerment, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners, whose unwavering support is the bedrock of our mission. With each investment, you are not only fueling our initiatives but also igniting the flames of possibility for countless individuals. Your belief in our vision transforms aspirations into reality, reshaping the landscape of what is achievable. Together, we are changing lives, making dreams tangible, and ushering in a future where every individual can thrive. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to Twende and the communities we serve.
