Govt pledges stronger support for youth innovation

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has said it will continue to create a conducive environment for science, technology and innovation among young people, recognising these areas as critical pillars for national development.

This was said over the weekend by Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), Professor Charles Kihampa on behalf of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Carolyne Nombo during the 15th National Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) Exhibition held in Dar es Salaam.

“Programmes like YST play a crucial role in equipping our youth with the skills and mindset needed to drive Tanzania’s development in line with National Vision 2050. The government remains firmly committed to strengthening the ecosystem for science, technology and innovation,” said Prof Kihampa.

He said that since its inception in 2011, YST has served as a national platform for encouraging scientific curiosity and research among secondary school students, successfully challenging the long-standing notion that science subjects are difficult and inaccessible.

Prof Kihampa noted that the YST initiative aligns with national education and training policies and supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) notably SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

He further reported that in 2025 alone, the programme reached more than 14,000 students and 3,000 teachers across the country. YST Chairman, Professor Yunus Mgaya revealed that this year’s exhibition attracted 3,085 students and 1,489 teachers, offering a vibrant platform for scientific debate and creativity.

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“What started with just a few schools in three regions has grown into a national movement. This year’s projects address national challenges in areas such as agriculture, environmental science, technology, climate change and social development,” he said.

YST Co-founder, Dr Gozibert Kamugisha noted the programme’s growing impact through capacity building for both students and teachers, which has led to the development of a wide range of practical, innovative projects. He revealed that 1,516 project applications were received in 2025, up from 1,055 the previous year.

Of these, 237 projects were formally submitted and 45 were selected for the final exhibition. The projects addressed practical solutions in sectors such as transportation safety, digital systems and traffic management, reduction of motorcycle accidents, food security and healthcare, renewable energy and environmental conservation.

Dr Kamugisha called on stakeholders, including industrial investors and the private sector to collaborate with the government in supporting science and innovation to enhance national productivity and build local expertise.

“To all students who participated, even if you didn’t win, remember, out of more than 50,000 applicants, you were selected. You are the pride of Tanzania. Your innovations show that the future of science in our country is bright,” he said.

CEO of the Karimjee Jivanjee Foundation, Caren Rowland applauded the ongoing success of YST and its tangible impact on youth development. Through support from her foundation and partners like the RAD Foundation, 53 former YST winners have received scholarships for university education.

“Our foundation has proudly supported YST for nearly 15 years. So far, we have sponsored 49 students through to Master’s and PhD levels. This year, we added four more in wildlife studies, bringing the total to 53. We’re proud to support young innovators solving real-world problems through science,” she said.

She added that teacher training remains a core focus of the programme to ensure continued hands-on learning and science engagement at the secondary school level.