Pacelio launches in Mbeya: A new chapter for local delivery
What started as a Final Year Diploma project at Mbeya University of Science and Technology has grown into a full-fledged delivery platform serving businesses and residents across the city.
From campus to city-wide
In early 2026, Privatus Cosmas and Peter Ntonda noticed something frustrating: ordering goods across Mbeya meant coordinating multiple phone calls, waiting hours for a rider, and never knowing exactly when — or if — your package would arrive. The Southern Highlands had no modern, trackable delivery service.
They built Pacelio as their diploma project, initially planning a simple proof of concept. But when local businesses heard about the idea, demand was immediate. A restaurant in Iyunga wanted in. A boutique in Soweto. A hardware store in Mabatini. By graduation, they had 15 businesses on a waitlist.
The launch
Pacelio officially launched in Mbeya on February 10, 2026, with:
- 50+ couriers covering all 20 wards of Mbeya city
- 120 partner businesses across retail, food, pharmaceuticals, and logistics
- Real-time tracking for every delivery
- In-app payments supporting both mobile money and cash on delivery
What the community says
"Before Pacelio, we relied on motorcycle riders we found at the stage. We never knew if they'd show up, how long they'd take, or whether the package arrived. Now I can track every delivery from my phone — it's transformed how we serve our customers." — Mwanaisha S., Shop Owner, Soweto Market
What's next
The launch is only the beginning. Pacelio is already preparing for expansion to Dar es Salaam and Arusha, with a target of 1,000 couriers and 500 businesses by the end of 2027. The team is also developing cross-border capabilities for Tanzania-Kenya and Tanzania-Uganda routes.
For now, the focus remains on Mbeya — proving that world-class logistics can start anywhere, even at a university desk.