This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On December 12, 2019, Tanzania's Essential Social Services (ESS) was announced as the East Africa winner of the 2019 HiiL's Justice Innovation Accelerator Challenge for its legal assurance scheme.
ESS provides vital legal services to the 80% of Tanzanians who cannot afford legal representation but are not eligible for free legal aid.
The organization emerged as the winner of the 2019 Nairobi Regional Finals, followed by Sheria Kiganjani and Tenrent respectively.
According to HiiL, there is immense potential for legal insurance to transform the justice landscape, particularly for 80% of Tanzanians. ESS not only presents a compelling case for inclusive and affordable justice systems but has also created a thriving business in Dar es Salaam, helping to prevent and resolve a key justice need.
ESS was part of the top 7 startups selected from over 90 applications across East Africa. The platforms spent three days challenging and learning from each other before pitching to HiiL's Justice Accelerator judging panel.
Other startups that pitched included Sheria Kiganjani, a Tanzanian startup enabling users to access various legal information and services remotely, and Reeltam Solutions Limited, a Kenyan startup that enables motorcycle owners to remotely monitor and recover their motorbike in cases of theft.
Kenya's Tenrent helps resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, while Tanzania's TAMA promotes agricultural justice among marginalized women farmers.
