DABA Biotech Limited is revolutionising the biotechnology sector by fostering innovation, boosting global competitiveness and promoting self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on foreign technologies for long-term growth and resilience.
Biotechnology is vital for a country’s development as it drives economic growth, enhances healthcare, boosts agricultural productivity, promotes environmental sustainability, fosters innovation and reduces dependence on foreign technologies, ensuring long-term growth and resilience.
This will be achieved by producing Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and hydroxymethyl hydrochloric acid (Tris-HCl) buffers for molecular biology applications. EDTA and Tris-HCl are essential in laboratory settings for maintaining a stable pH in biological buffers, particularly in molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and electrophoresis.
DABA Biotech Limited is a service and research-based biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, manufacturing, distributing and marketing biotechnological products and life sciences services.
A co-founder of DABA Biotech, Dr Abdalah Makaranga, shared with the Daily News over the weekend that the locally produced buffers eliminate import tariffs and long shipping times, making them a more reliable choice for hospitals, research labs and academic institutions that depend on the consistent availability of these critical supplies for their operations.
“By localising production, we not only create an alternative but also significantly reduce costs and eliminate delays caused by importing materials from abroad. This fosters the growth of the Tanzanian economy and provides employment opportunities for local scientists and technicians,” Dr Makaranga emphasised.
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He explained that while the essential reagents typically retail for 40-50 US dollars, DABA’s locally produced versions are priced 50-60 per cent lower, offering a cost-effective solution for molecular biology laboratories.
Dr Makaranga, an ICGEB-trained industrial biotechnologist, stated that the decision to formulate EDTA and Tris-HCl buffers locally stemmed from the need for more accessible and affordable reagents within the country’s research and healthcare sectors.
A Director at DABA Biotech, Dr Reuben Maghembe pointed out that EDTA is used primarily as a chelating agent in molecular biology, while Tris-HCl is essential for maintaining a stable pH in various biochemical reactions. These buffers are indispensable in genetic research, diagnostics and other laboratory applications.
“By manufacturing them locally, DABA Biotech’s commitment to local production not only supports scientific and industrial progress in Tanzania but also contributes to the country’s broader goals of economic resilience and self-reliance,” said Dr Maghembe.
DABA Biotech’s CEO, Mr Deogratius Mark, highlighted the company’s belief that Tanzania’s biological wealth, when paired with sound science and bio manufacturing capacity, could become a national asset.
“This belief has driven DABA to focus on projects that not only support the country’s economic development but also address national goals in health security, food sovereignty and industrial diversification,” emphasised Mr Mark.
He added that by localising production, Tanzania can reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring greater self-sufficiency, especially during global disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additionally, DABA Biotech is focused on manufacturing Taq Polymerase enzymes using local thermophile bacteria and formulating other reagents, including EDTA and Tris-HCl buffers.
DABA Biotech is also committed to expanding its product line, continuing to innovate and drive the development of biotechnology in Tanzania.
Through its focus on local manufacturing, research and development, the company is laying the groundwork for a more self-sufficient and resilient scientific community, while also providing cost-effective solutions that directly benefit Tanzanian researchers, healthcare professionals and students.
By making essential biotechnological products locally, DABA is helping to advance the country’s scientific capabilities and contributing to the global competitiveness of Tanzania’s biotech industry.
This approach not only helps mitigate global supply chain disruptions but also promotes the long-term sustainability and growth of the biotechnology sector in Tanzania, furthering its role in the nation’s economic development.
