The open-source app Tando empowers communities in economically disadvantaged regions to provide themselves with essential goods and fosters collaboration, independence and economic growth by using locally available resources, sharing instructions and passing on craft techniques.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Tando emerged from exchanges with a Tanzanian doctor, highlighting the need for affordable, locally producible solutions as imports often aren’t available, affordable or repairable. In economically disadvantaged regions like Tanzania, most people own a smartphone, making an online platform widely accessible. Tando’s open-source app fosters social engagement by connecting stakeholders and allowing users to share new designs, exchange and contribute to a global knowledge base by passing on craft techniques. Tando supports circularity, resource efficiency, accessibility and cost-efficiency by encouraging the use of locally abundant resources, reuse of materials, modularity and repair options. New job opportunities are created through visual instruction manuals, also for illiterates. Crowdfunding and community-driven projects like building public playgrounds or donating for items like wheelchairs further strengthens collaboration and inclusivity. Tando’s user-friendly interface, customisable features, and active community engagement ensure a positive user experience, driving independence, economic growth and sustainable local development.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
Tando is a globally scalable, open-source platform that empowers communities in economically disadvantaged regions to create and exchange locally producible goods. Inspired by a Tanzanian doctor’s insight into the need for affordable, accessible solutions, Tando utilizes locally available base materials such as wood, bamboo, straw, textiles or metal pipes. The platform’s app allows users to search for designs, place enquiries for specific items and share instructions. Visual manuals make production accessible. The modular, repairable products are designed to be customisable, reducing waste and fostering circularity. Technical aspects include user-friendly features, like a map for connecting stakeholders and a community chat for collaboration. Crowdfunding enables community-driven projects such as public sports stations or the donation of items. The process is driven by collaboration, allowing users to preserve traditional knowledge, contribute new ideas, refine designs, and improve instruction manuals, which makes the system adaptable and sustainable for various regions and needs.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
„Development aid” often relies on imports and measures imposed by foreigners. Tando, however, doesn’t try to implement „one-fits-all” solutions but customises them driven by the individual communities themselves. The concept was created in close cooperation with affected locals and focuses on locally available options. The open-source approach makes the app inclusive and adaptable since users can customise the features and design to their needs. The app’s visual manuals make it accessible to a wide range of users, while the modular, repairable products foster long-term usability and resource efficiency. Users aren’t only encouraged to consume, but to create themselves. Tando’s emphasis on community-driven projects and crowdfunding highlights social impact and responsibility. The platform fosters collaboration among stakeholders, allowing for continuous refinement and innovation. This approach not only enhances user engagement but also creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where communities are empowered to drive their own economic growth and social development.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Tando impacts young people by providing opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship and social engagement. Through the platform, young users can access visual instruction manuals to learn how to create and repair essential goods, fostering practical skills that are valuable in both local economies and global markets. The app encourages creativity, allowing young people to contribute ideas, refine designs, and collaborate on community projects, enhancing their sense of agency and leadership. Tando also supports young entrepreneurs by offering a platform to showcase services, sell products, and connect with other stakeholders, enabling them to start their own businesses. Furthermore, by promoting affordable, locally producible solutions, Tando empowers young people in economically disadvantaged regions to become self-reliant and active contributors to their communities. The engagement with technology, software development, education and social innovation also helps bridge the digital divide, equipping youth with the tools needed in the modern economy.
