By Julius Mbungo

Technology innovation is fast paced and Tanzania is not left behind especially in this era of globalization and digitization where technology through WebApps, mobile Apps and Artificial intelligence tackle different social challenges and help change lives not only in the developed world but also in Africa, Tanzania included.

Here at Toolboksi we are using the same means to help transform the informal sector in the country. Toolboksi is a platform that improves the livelihoods of the neglected and underpriviledged skilled workers operating in the informal sector by increasing their access to job opportunities. We are sort of the LinkedIn for the Linked out. Skilled workers operating in the informal sector include handymen, artisans and craftsmen or as we are all used to call them the "blue collar workers"

Toolboksi is using inclusive technologies such as SMS/Call/Web and Apps to connect skilled workers in informal sector with customers. With Toolboksi now the skilled wokers have more access to job opportunities as they expand their customer base and earn more income that helps to improve their woking environment, livelihoods and decrease the informality and vulnerability. Our goal is to build thriving communities, makind dreams possible by helping informal skilled workers increase their income and realize their entrepreneurship dreams.

With more than 30 services listed which are more common with the high rate of demand in the rising urban areas and big citiess, users/customers have a freedom to get a reliable skilled worker to get their jobs done. Toolboksi brings assuarance and reliability to the industry that is disorganized and has no assurance of service provision as befoe most people had to rely on eference from family members, friends for service providers or get to look at the signs advertised by the providers hanging on the trees and walls found on the streets which is not a reliable means of getting a service provder.

Some of the services we provide include services from Masons, house painters, tailors, house painter, caterers, cake makers, mechanics, plumbers, welders, make-up artists, hairdressers, waiters and waitresses and many more.

Why Toolboksi? Why now?
Toolboksi comes a very important challenge as according to the United Nationas Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania ranks number 154 out of 189 on the Human Development Index (HDI) with more than 49% of the population living in poverty, while more than one in ten people works in the informal sector (making it one of the highest global ratios) especially the youths who account for more than 64% of the total population. The people working in the informal sector are characterized with the high degree of informality and vulnerability due to the fact that they operate locally and have got small customer base which makes them to continue to remain in a vicious cycle of poverty.

Unemployment and poverty is prevalent in countries around the world. Millions of blue collar, unemployed, semi-skilled men and women who are able, willing and talented do not have the opportubity to find work. There is an absolute need to create a formal job fulfilment process so that the under-privileged can find jobs or at a minimum be given the hope of finding employment to prevent  despair and feelings of abandonment. This is what Toolboksi comes to solve

How does it work?
Toolboksi leverages on the demand for quality services by the emerging middle class in Tanzania especially in the rising urban areas and big cities with more than 45% of the population owning a mobile phone, This shows a great market and impact potential for Toolboksi to thrive.
Currently, Toolboksi is available in Dar Es Salaam, but expects to scale into other regions in the near future. Do you know any informal skilled or semi-skilled worker that you would love to benefit from this amazing opportunity? Well, send us their details through hello@toolboksi.com
Ahsante!