Afya Ya Mnyama Digital – Smart Livestock Solutions
Tanzanian start-up Afya Ya Mnyama Digital has developed a smart ear tag sensor paired with the Mnyama Check Platform, an AI-powered livestock health monitoring application that enables farmers to monitor their animals in real time.
By detecting diseases at an early stage, the system helps reduce livestock losses. It also tracks reproductive behaviour, providing accurate documentation that supports herd management while reducing the need for manual observation.
A second key aspect of the innovation is the environmental design of the ear tags. Developed according to eco-design principles, they are designed for recyclability, repairability, and a long service life, reducing waste compared with conventional livestock monitoring devices.
For these reasons, the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) has chosen Afya Ya Mnyama Digital as one of the finalists of the ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026 and the start-up is featured as the ISC3 Start-up of the Month for September 2026.
The smart sensors continuously collect data on body temperature, activity, movement, and reproductive behaviour. This information is analysed by artificial intelligence to detect health conditions. Farmers receive instant alerts via the application and can connect directly with veterinary professionals through the platform for further advice and support.
The average lifespan of the ear tags are 5 to 7 years. Damaged tags are returned to the company through field officers and veterinary partners. Depending on the condition, Afya either repairs, refurbishes, and redeploys the devices or recovers reusable electronic components. Education of new clients is also an integral part of Afya´s innovation: During onboarding and routine field visits, the start-up trains farmers and veterinarians on proper handling, maintenance, and the importance of returning damaged or end-of-life ear tags instead of disposing of them. This awareness contributes to environmental protection while supporting their refurbishment and recycling programme.
The whole success story of the ISC3 Start-up of the Month in September 2026 is currently told by the ISC3 on its website at Afya Ya Mnyama (isc3.org).
Three questions for Maganga Mabula (Founder and CEO of Afya Ya Mnyama Digital):
What led to your solution in Sustainable Chemistry?
Maganga Mabula: As a veterinarian from a livestock-keeping family in the Sukuma pastoralist community, I saw farmers lose animals because diseases were detected too late. I realized that many of these losses could be prevented if farmers had access to continuous health monitoring rather than relying on visible symptoms. At the same time, I became increasingly aware that many electronic products that has being increasingly adopted in livestock sector are designed with little consideration for their environmental impact.
What does being chosen as ISC3 Start-up of the Month mean to you?
M. Mabula: It is a great honour and milestone for our team. The recognition validates our belief that digital innovation and sustainability can address real challenges, increases our international visibility, and opens opportunities for partnerships and investment. It also shows that African innovators can contribute meaningful solutions to global sustainability challenges.
What’s next up at Afya Ya Mnyama Digital?
M. Mabula: Our vision is to become Africa's leading provider of sustainable digital livestock health solutions. In the coming years, we plan to expand across East Africa reach more farmers and animals, strengthen our AI capabilities, and improve the repair, refurbishment, and recycling of our smart sensors.
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