Prisila Kessy
Prisila Emmanuel Kessy is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and educator with a passion for empowering communities through technology, innovation, and sustainability. She serves as a Tutorial Assistant in the Department of Computer Science Studies, where she nurtures young minds in technology and problem-solving. Prisila is a driving force behind initiatives that blend her academic expertise with real-world impact, positioning her as a trailblazer in addressing societal challenges through technology.
Prisila’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by her dedication to transforming lives in Tanzania’s agricultural sector. She is the founder of AmshaKilimo, a digital platform aimed at empowering smallholder farmers by connecting them to financial institutions for group-based loans and agricultural support. Recognizing that many low-income farmers face barriers to financial inclusion, AmshaKilimo bridges this gap while equipping farmers with tools for expense tracking, market insights, and weather forecasts. The platform also utilizes satellite imagery to assess farmland and recommend optimal crops, ensuring sustainable and profitable farming practices. This innovative approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 5, and 8 by addressing food security, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and fostering economic growth.
Prisila has a proven track record of excellence. Her team has collaborated for over three years on impactful projects such as IoT for Youth, Data to Info, and AI 4 STEM, with significant sponsorship from VLIR-UOS in Morogoro. She has also demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen by securing second place in the Mzumbe Entrepreneurship Day competition and earning a $1,600 grant from UNDP under StartHub Africa. These achievements underscore her ability to lead, innovate, and deliver solutions that address real-world problems.
Prisila’s leadership extends to guiding a multidisciplinary team at AmshaKilimo, which includes professionals with expertise in operations, technology, marketing, and finance. Together, they aim to register individual farmers, cooperative groups, and financial institutions, driving an annual market opportunity worth 42.7 million Tanzanian shillings.
Prisila is currently participating in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a 13-week program supported by the U.S. Department of State. This initiative equips women entrepreneurs with the tools and networks to scale their businesses, enabling Prisila to refine AmshaKilimo further and expand its impact.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Prisila is actively involved in advocacy and education. Her work is fueled by a commitment to leveraging technology for societal transformation, particularly in underprivileged and rural communities. With a combination of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to community empowerment, Prisila Emmanuel Kessy is a shining example of how innovation and determination can create lasting change.