COSTECH invests 40bn/- in scientific research
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has invested over 40bn/- in the past 15 years to advance scientific research, innovation and technological development, laying a strong foundation for Tanzania’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
COSTECH Director General, Dr Amos Nungu said in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday during the Science Journalism Excellence Awards that the investment has enabled the development of homegrown solutions that address local challenges, boosted capacity in critical sectors and positioned the country to compete more effectively in the global market.
“This long-term funding reflects a strategic effort to build a knowledge-based economy and enhance Tanzania’s capacity for homegrown solutions in key sectors such as health, agriculture and industry,” he said.
He said that these investments have yielded tangible benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs and communities across the country. He noted that the Commission has supported over 400 research and innovation projects, driving advances in agriculture, health and technology while creating thousands of jobs.
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“These figures represent real impacts,” Dr Nungu said, “including increased harvests, youth employment, affordable health solutions and climate adaptation,” he said.
COSTECH Chairperson, Prof John Kondoro has affirmed that the Science Journalism Excellence Awards align with the country’s National Development Vision 2050 because it aspires to build a high-income, resilient and inclusive nation founded on scientific evidence.
He said that the awards play a vital role in promoting informed public discourse, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable development.
“This vision aims to create a prosperous, resilient and inclusive society grounded in scientific knowledge. Journalists are crucial in communicating complex topics like biotechnology, digital innovation and climate research in a clear and accessible manner for the public,” he stated.
Prof Kondoro made these remarks during the presentation of the Science Journalism Excellence Awards in Dar es Salaam.
COSTECH’s achievements include developing 12 drought-tolerant crops, six bio-fertilisers, nine biopesticides and solar-powered irrigation systems now benefiting more than 15,000 farmers nationwide.
In agro-processing alone, the Commission has invested 500m/- to support more than 15 technologies in planting, harvesting and post-harvest management creating over 200 jobs. COSTECH has also played a key role in nurturing innovation ecosystems, backing more than 50 hubs and labs that support 120 startups and SMEs, 60 per cent of which are youth-led and generating over 2,500 jobs.
The Commission has funded 45 technology transfer offices in 20 universities, allocating 400m/- to commercialise innovations in food processing and health. Other projects include low-cost malaria and tuberculosis diagnostic kits piloted in seven regions and the planting of 1.2 million trees.
