InnovateX Internship Program 2026
The InnovateX Internship program by UpStudio Africa is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, exposure, and confidence they need to succeed in the ever-changing dynamic world through a transformative internship experience. By collaborating with leading corporate partners, we bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students gain valuable experience in STEM, business, marketing, and other key sectors.
The internship experience is supplemented by the InnovateX Training program that focuses on teaching workplace readiness, industry knowledge, team collaboration and communication, and other related trainings. InnovateX Interns are supported throughout the program by dedicated mentors and the UpStudio Africa team to ensure meaningful learning, career guidance, and personal growth. InnovateX is more than an internship. It’s a journey of discovery and empowerment, helping students uncover their passions, sharpen their talents, and lay the foundation for a successful and purpose-driven future.
Why InnovateX?
- Receive a ~3 week internship placements at leading corporate partners, such as Toyota Tanzania, City Motors Ltd, Selcom, and others. Please review the internship placement descriptions below. There are over 30 internship placements available.
- Gain hands-on experience to build essential professional skills in their field of interest ranging from mechanical engineering to marketing to health tech and much more.
- Receive ongoing training and mentorship before and during the internship.
- Receive a Letter of Recommendation from UpStudio Africa and host company for university applications
- Receive ongoing support and career guidance beyond the internship placement.
Eligibility
- Ages 15 – 20 years
- Students from any schools across Tanzania
- Interested in engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, health or other relevant fields, aligned with internship placements
- Strong English writing and verbal communication skills
- Strong work ethic and professionalism
- No prior internship experience is necessary
Internship Process
All students ages 15 – 20 years are welcome to apply for the InnovateX Internship program.
- Complete the application form thoroughly.
- Rank top 4 internship placements from a menu of placements or identify other career interests. Please note: Select internship placements require the InnovateX interns to be 18+ years
Deadline: 13 February 2026
Shortlisted students from the application process will be invited to join the interview process in February 2026, as detailed below:
- Attend FREE virtual interview training.
- Participate in an interview with UpStudio Africa, on behalf of the placement partners.
- Select candidates, based on their placement rankings, will be requested to interview with corporate partners.
The interview process will be conducted in February – March 2026.
All placement decisions and contracts will be communicated by 31 March 2026.
The InnovateX Internship program requires InnovateX Interns to receive training before their internship. This prepares interns to maximize their internship experience. The training includes:
- Code of Conduct and Professionalism Training
- Career Pathways and Goal Setting
- Time Management and Productivity
- Communication Training
- Resume Building
- LinkedIn Training
- Collaboration | Working in Teams
- Problem Solving and Design Thinking
The InnovateX Training costs Tsh 300,000 to be paid to UpStudio Africa. Corporate partners are not paid for internship placements. Non-InnovateX students are welcome to join the InnovateX trainings. Limited financial aid is available.
March to June 2026
Shortlisted students will receive their final placement letters and contracts by March 2026. All contracts need to be signed before the InnovateX training begins.
Exact placements hours and dates vary depending on the internship placement.
- The average internship length is 3 weeks.
- The internship will take place between June – July 2026, depending on the availability of the InnovateX intern and the corporate partner.
- The internship placement hours is from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- The majority of InnovateX internship placements are in-person within Dar es Salaam. Students are required to cover transportation and food costs for their internship.
June – July 2026
Students receive the following at the end of the Internship program:
- Certificate of Participation in the InnovateX Internship program from UpStudio Africa and their host organizations.
- Letter of Recommendation based on feedback provided from their supervisors at the host organization and mentors. Continued support is provided during university application processes.
- Updated Linkedin and Resume, with detailed feedback and guidance from trainers.
- Continued mentorship and guidance beyond the InnovateX program
- Network of InnovateX Alumni for ongoing professional support
- Linkages to internship and job opportunities tapping into the network of existing and new corporate partners within and beyond Tanzania
2026 Internship Placements
Toyota Tanzania has been a partner of the InnovateX Internship Program for two consecutive years since 2024, hosting a total of eight interns. Through hands-on learning at the Toyota Tanzania Training Academy, students will gain practical experience in automotive engineering, maintenance, service operations, and customer service. Interns will:
- Gain foundational knowledge of engine operation, including the role of pistons and key differences between diesel and petrol engines.
- Disassemble and reassemble an engine, working with components such as the manifold, intake valves, timing belt, and oil pan.
- Perform essential vehicle maintenance tasks, including oil changes, diesel filter replacements, coolant changes, and brake pad installations.
- Assist in general vehicle servicing and inspections, including diagnosing issues such as axle faults and performing shock replacements.
- Participate in the reinstallation of a transmission transfer system and conducted test drives to assess vehicle performance.
- Learn how customer requests are received and documented, gaining exposure to the end-to-end service pipeline from initial customer needs to final vehicle delivery.
City Motors Ltd is a key assembler of Yamaha motorbikes in Tanzania, contributing to local manufacturing, skills development, and the growth of the automotive sector. This internship offers students hands-on exposure to motorcycle assembly, technical operations, and quality standards used within the mobility industry. Interns will:
- Learn the step-by-step process of assembling Yamaha motorbikes, from unpacking components to final assembly and inspection.
- Assist technicians in installing key parts such as engines, wiring systems, fuel systems, wheels, and braking components while following safety and quality procedures.
- Observe and support quality control checks, including performance testing and verification of assembled parts.
- Understand the workflow of a motorcycle assembly line and gain insight into supply chains, parts management, and operational efficiency.
- Develop foundational mechanical skills while experiencing teamwork within an industrial assembly environment.
TANConsult is one of the leading consulting engineering firms in Tanzania, providing exceptional civil and structural services since 1977. This internship gives students hands-on exposure to civil engineering, construction management, and the integration of architectural design into infrastructure projects. Interns will:
- Observe and support civil engineering tasks such as site assessments, project planning, and construction workflows.
- Assist engineers with reviewing drawings, estimating materials, preparing documentation, and understanding structural considerations.
- Learn how architectural designs are implemented in engineering plans through interaction with architectural and design teams.
- Participate in project supervision activities including safety checks, progress monitoring, and quality control procedures.
- Meet and interact with professionals across the construction, engineering, and architecture sector.
Intro to finance/Tech/Marketing internships.
Join a dynamic internship with Selcom, one of Tanzania’s leading fintech companies across key products: Selcom Pesa and Duka Direct. This internship provides a practical introduction to how fintech products are built, supported, and improved, giving interns a holistic understanding of digital finance and technology. Interns will:
- Learn how a fintech supports its customers by shadowing the Customer Care team, understanding Selcom products, and observing real customer support operations.
- Assist in gathering user requirements, documenting features, attending developer briefings, and testing new app functionalities.
- Review and draft social media content, support marketing activities, and contribute to communication materials that promote Selcom’s products and services.
This internship offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a leading global bank operating in Tanzania. Through a structured rotational placement, interns will be exposed to multiple departments, gaining insight into how an international financial institution operates while developing professional and technical skills.
- Participate in a rotational internship experience across different departments such as operations, customer service, finance, risk, and digital banking.
- Learn how a global bank supports individuals, businesses, and communities through financial products and services.
- Assist teams with day-to-day tasks, documentation, data analysis, and process improvement activities.
- Observe professional standards in banking, including compliance, customer confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
- Gain exposure to career pathways within the banking and financial services sector.
Salute Insurance Brokerage’s internship offers hands-on experience in insurance sales and brokerage, with a focus on vehicle insurance. Interns will learn how insurance products are marketed, sold, and managed while understanding customer needs and regulatory requirements in the insurance sector. Interns will:
- Assist the sales and brokerage team in understanding vehicle insurance products, policies, and coverage options.
- Support client engagement activities, including responding to inquiries, preparing quotations, and following up on policy renewals.
- Participate in market research and analysis to identify potential clients and understand trends in vehicle insurance.
- Learn about the processes involved in insurance underwriting, claims handling, and risk assessment.
- Develop professional skills in sales, customer service, and communication within the insurance sector.
Intro to finance/Tech/Marketing internships.
Join Toyota Tanzania for a 3 week internship to gain hands-on experience in automotive marketing, brand promotion, and customer engagement. Interns will work with the marketing team to understand how a leading automotive company builds its brand, develops campaigns, and connects with customers. Interns will:
- Assist the marketing team in creating and reviewing content for social media, print, and digital campaigns to promote Toyota products and services.
- Support market research activities, including analyzing competitor strategies, customer feedback, and automotive industry trends.
- Participate in planning and executing promotional events, campaigns, or community engagement initiatives.
- Learn how Toyota develops marketing strategies aligned with brand identity, customer needs, and sales objectives.
- Gain insight into marketing analytics, reporting, and campaign performance evaluation.
Red Dot Distribution is a distribution and supply chain company focused on efficiently moving products from manufacturers to markets. This internship offers students a holistic experience across operations, marketing, and human resources, providing practical insight into how a growing distribution business functions end to end.
- Support the operations team by learning how products are received, stored, tracked, and distributed, including inventory management and order fulfillment processes.
- Assist with marketing activities such as reviewing product materials, supporting promotional efforts, and helping communicate with customers through digital or print channels.
- Gain exposure to basic HR functions, including staff coordination, onboarding support, and understanding workplace policies and team management.
- Observe how different departments work together, from customer orders to delivery, marketing, and people management.
Kazi Yetu is a women-led tea processing company committed to increasing local value addition by processing, blending, and packaging fine foods and unique goods from East Africa. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across research, product development, and sales and marketing within a purpose-driven food and beverage business.
- Conduct data analysis to identify trends in products purchased by customers in Tanzania and support insights that inform business decisions.
- Research box packaging suppliers within the region and work with the team to prototype new locally produced tea packaging options.
- Research potential partner brands in Europe and the United States with missions aligned to Kazi Yetu, propose collaboration ideas for brand partnerships, and support social media content creation through photo and video shoots.
Solv Africa is a technology company focused on building artificial intelligence and digital automation solutions for businesses. This InnovateX internship offers hands-on exposure to artificial intelligence, programming, and B2B marketing. Interns will:
- Learn the fundamentals of AI-driven and rule-based chatbot development, including ideation, testing, and iteration
- Support programming and software development tasks using real-world problem statements
- Assist with B2B marketing, including researching potential clients, understanding enterprise use cases, and supporting go-to-market strategies for digital solutions
Kyaro Assistive Tech is a social impact organization working at the intersection of healthcare, inclusion, and technology, developing assistive solutions and campaigns that promote access, awareness, and inclusion for people with disabilities. This InnovateX internship offers hands-on exposure to healthcare innovation, inclusive design, and marketing. Interns will work with the Kyaro team to support market research and contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of social media marketing campaigns that raise awareness and drive impact.
Internship experience includes:
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Supporting market research to understand user needs, accessibility challenges, and target audiences
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Assisting in the design and execution of social media marketing campaigns, from ideation and content planning to posting and performance review
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Learning how healthcare and assistive technology solutions are communicated to diverse audiences in an inclusive and responsible way
TIBA Healthcare Limited will offer hands-on experience in the delivery of healthcare medical and biochemistry services in a professional healthcare facility. Interns will:
- Learn how healthcare operations function, gain exposure to laboratory and clinical processes, and develop foundational skills in patient care support.
- Assist medical and laboratory staff in routine healthcare and biochemistry activities under supervision.
- Observe and support sample collection, basic lab procedures, and testing workflows while learning safety and hygiene protocols.
- Participate in patient care support tasks, including record-keeping, appointment coordination, and assisting healthcare providers.
- Gain insight into how healthcare facilities operate, from clinical diagnostics to lab management.
Join a 3 week internship with TAHMEF, a leading health tech non-profit in Tanzania that provides stigma-free mental health support to youth, improving their wellbeing through digital services & Community outreach services. The internship will provide hands-on experience across project management, tech, and multimedia teams, while contributing to solutions that support youth mental health and wellness. Interns will:
- Work with the Project Management and Operations team to support planning, coordination, and execution of health-tech projects and outreach activities.
- Contribute to the Multimedia team by creating content such as graphics, short videos, or communication materials to support awareness and engagement.
- Collaborate with the Tech team by helping to refine, test, and enhance digital platforms, online learning tools, and youth-focused health resources
Join a 2–3 week virtual internship with Jiji Health, a leading health-tech company in Kenya, and gain hands-on experience in digital healthcare solutions, data analysis, and health product innovation. Interns will:
- Explore the future of healthcare tech by learning how digital tools such as Damu Sasa, hospital management information systems, and e-learning platforms are built, implemented, and scaled to improve hospital operations, blood services, and patient care across Africa.
- Build real-world tech skills through hands-on activities in data analysis, problem-solving, and simple UX/prototyping to design and develop impactful digital health products.
- Conduct market and product research for Jiji Health to support the expansion of the Damu Sasa product in Tanzania.
- Meet health-tech professionals in fields such as biomedical engineering, public health, and data analytics, and explore career pathways in healthcare technology.
Join a 3-4 week internship with Recroot Africa, a talent and recruitment solutions company focused on connecting organizations with the right talent across Africa. This internship offers students exposure to human resources, recruitment operations, and talent development, helping them understand how people, skills, and organizations are matched in today’s job market.
- Support the recruitment team by assisting with candidate screening, resume reviews, and understanding job role requirements across different industries.
- Learn how recruitment processes work end to end, from client needs assessment and job posting to candidate shortlisting and placement.
- Assist with research on labor market trends, skills demand, and employer needs across Africa.
- Gain insight into careers in human resources, talent acquisition, and workforce development while building professional communication and organizational skills.
The company is top-tier full-service law firm based in Dar es Salaam with over 70 years of collective legal experience providing comprehensive corporate and commercial legal solutions across Tanzania and the East African region. Interns will gain practical exposure to legal research, professional office operations, and the fundamentals of legal practice while supporting a respected team of legal professionals.
- Support the legal team by conducting research on Tanzanian and regional law, summarizing findings, and helping prepare briefs or background notes for cases or client advisories.
- Assist with organizing case files, drafting basic legal correspondence, and learning how a professional law office manages client matters from intake to resolution.
- Observe how experienced attorneys prepare for meetings, draft contracts, engage with clients, and discuss legal strategy across areas such as corporate law, compliance, intellectual property, and litigation.
- Learn professional communication skills by assisting with client follow-ups, case notes, and understanding ethical considerations in client interactions.
- Engage with firm publications such as legal updates and Q&A columns to understand how current legal developments are communicated to the public and clients.
The company will be revealed to shortlisted candidates.
UpStudio Africa will offer hands-on experience in education and STEM learning programs. Interns will engage in administrative and marketing tasks, including media coverage, while supporting the development of innovative learning experiences for children and youth. Interns will:
- Support the education team in preparing and delivering STEM lessons, workshops, and learning activities for children and youth.
- Assist with administrative tasks, including organizing learning materials, coordinating schedules, and managing logistics.
- Contribute to marketing and media efforts by helping create content, documenting events, and promoting programs on social media.
- Gain insight into the operations of an educational organization and how STEM learning initiatives are designed, implemented, and evaluated.
Intern Testimonials
Partner Testimonials
“The InnovateX Internship program was a great success, with all participants showing a strong passion and eagerness to learn. The students engaged well with our technicians, followed all instructions, and were highly commendable for their adherence to safety guidelines.”
– Mr Kingstone
Toyota Tanzania Training Academy
“The program is well-structured, with clear objectives and a good balance between guidance and independence for the interns. We liked and appreciated the support in coordination of the interns availability and timings throughout the internship.”
– Linus Ngongwe
Chief Operating Officer, Kazi Yetu
FAQs
What do students receive at the end of the InnovateX internship?
Students receive the following at the end of the Internship program:
- Certificate of Participation in the InnovateX Internship program from UpStudio Africa and their host organizations.
- Letter of Recommendation based on feedback provided from their supervisors at the host organization and mentors. Continued support is provided during university application processes.
- Updated Linkedin and Resume, with detailed feedback and guidance from trainers.
- Continued mentorship and guidance beyond the InnovateX program
- Network of InnovateX Alumni for ongoing professional support
- Linkages to internship and job opportunities tapping into the network of existing and new corporate partners within and beyond Tanzania
How do I apply for the program?
The InnovateX program is a competitive program. Students complete an online application form and submit required documents (if applicable) by 13 February 2026.
Select students are requested to participate in interviews with the UpStudio Africa team in February 2026. A free interview training is provided before the interviews are scheduled. Based on those interviews, shortlisted students may be asked to interview with corporate partners.
Final selections are based on interest, commitment, and program fit by end of March 2026.
How long is the internship, and when does it take place?
Internships typically run for 2–3 weeks between June – July 2026. The exact timing depending on the host company and intern availability. Students will receive their confirmed dates after final selection.
How are internship placements assigned?
Students rank their preferred sectors and companies in the application form. These rankings are revisited during the interviews. Final placements are made by UpStudio Africa based on availability and student interests.
Do students need prior experience?
No prior experience is required. The program is designed to help students explore new fields, develop practical skills, and gain exposure to real workplaces.
What is the cost of the InnovateX Program?
The Internship placement is free for InnovateX Interns. Corporate partners do not receive and give any stipends for the Internship program. Students will be responsible for their own transportation and food costs during the internship period. All InnovateX Interns are required to participate in the InnovateX Training and Mentorship program which costs Tsh 300,0000.
The Training program conducted virtually and/or in-person before the internship covers professional training modules, including time management, written and verbal communication, use of AI in workplace, and other relevant modules. The program also offers ongoing mentorship and career guidance during and after the internship is complete.
Is financial aid available for the InnovateX Training?
Yes, limited financial aid is available to cover the cost of the InnovateX Training. Only two students will receive financial aid for the 2026 cycle, awarded based on demonstrated need, application, and interview response strength. Financial aid decisions are made once internship placements are offered in March 2026.
Contact
For more information on the InnovateX Internship Program, please reach out to:
Shama Kheraj
www.upstudio.africa
shama@upstudio.africa
+255 716 476 212
Test Drive
To book a test drive of a hybrid electric vehicle, please reach out to:
Toyota Tanzania
www.toyota.co.tz
sales@automark.co.tz
+255 746 427 981