Young Scientists Tanzania and Exim Bank launch 2026 Partnership

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Scientists Tanzania (YST) and Exim Bank have officially launched their 2026 partnership, reaffirming a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, researchers, and problem-solvers through science, technology, innovation, and research.

Speaking during the launch at Exim Tower in Dar es Salaam, Kauthar D’Souza, Senior Manager – Marketing and Communications at Exim Bank Tanzania, said the partnership reflects the Bank’s belief that empowering young people is fundamental to building an innovative, competitive, and sustainably developed nation, in line with its philosophy that “Innovation is Life.”

“At Exim Bank Tanzania, we believe innovation begins with empowering young people. Our partnership with Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) reflects our commitment to supporting students who are curious, creative, and passionate about developing solutions that can transform communities and contribute to national development,” said D’Souza.

“For the past six years, YST has been a valued partner in identifying and empowering young innovators to use science, research, and innovation to address challenges facing our communities. We believe that by investing in education, innovation, and the development of young talent today, we are building a stronger foundation for Tanzania’s sustainable development,” D’Souza added.

This year’s programme has recorded its highest participation to date, receiving 1,330 project submissions from 287 secondary schools across all regions of Tanzania. Following assessment and mentorship by YST science advisors, 162 projects have been shortlisted, with the top 45 projects advancing to the Young Scientists Tanzania National Science & Technology Exhibition, scheduled for 17 September 2026 at the New Library Auditorium, University of Dar es Salaam.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Gozbert Kamugisha, Young Scientists Tanzania Co-Founder, expressed appreciation for Exim Bank’s continued commitment to empowering young innovators.

“We sincerely appreciate Exim Bank Tanzania for its unwavering support over the past six years. What makes this year’s programme particularly unique is that the Bank has gone beyond providing financial sponsorship to becoming an active partner in programme implementation. Through its team of experts, Exim Bank has joined us in visiting schools, engaging with teachers and students, and providing technical guidance that helps young innovators strengthen their research and refine their innovations into practical solutions that benefit society,” said Dr Kamugisha.

Speaking further, Dr Kamugisha highlighted some of the key challenges facing Young Scientists Tanzania (YST), including limited financial resources to support all talented young innovators and the need for greater public awareness of the importance of investing in young people.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve the development we aspire to without making meaningful investments in our young people, particularly in science, technology, and innovation. Countries that have made significant progress have done so by investing heavily in research, innovation, and discovery. While the Government has established supportive policies and an enabling environment, it is now our collective responsibility to work together to ensure that more young people have the opportunities they need to realise their potential and contribute to Tanzania’s development,” added Dr Kamugisha.

For more than 16 years, Young Scientists Tanzania has been equipping secondary school students with scientific research and innovation skills through mentorship and outreach programmes, enabling them to identify community challenges and develop practical, locally relevant solutions. Exim Bank’s partnership strengthens this mission by supporting young innovators working on solutions in areas including artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, healthcare, food security, communication, and social innovation.

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Guided by its philosophy, “Innovation is Life,” Exim Bank continues to champion initiatives that unlock the potential of young Tanzanians and promote home-grown innovation. Through strategic partnerships such as YST, the Bank is helping bridge the gap between education and real-world application, fostering a culture of research, creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.

As preparations continue for the 2026 Young Scientists Tanzania National Science & Technology Exhibition, Exim Bank Tanzania and Young Scientists Tanzania remain committed to empowering young innovators whose ideas and discoveries will contribute to a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous Tanzania.