Govt injects 25.7bn/- in research and innovation

DODOMA: THE government has disbursed 25.7bn/- to the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) over the past four years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to advancing research and innovation.

In a press conference held in Dodoma yesterday, COSTECH Director General Dr Amos Nungu, noted the key achievements since President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office.

He said that the government has funded over 50 research projects across various sectors, including education, agriculture, health and the environment, with the aim of transforming the lives of Tanzanians.

“This initiative not only strengthens the foundation for scientific development but also underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a nation that invests in technology and innovation,” Dr Nungu stated.

He further revealed that through COSTECH, the government has supported the establishment of over 111 innovation hubs.

These hubs are directly benefiting communities across the country, with outcomes from research projects having a tangible impact.

Dr Nungu said the funding has contributed to the creation of approximately 70 new companies driven by government – supported innovations.

Dr Nungu praised the government for its efforts in creating a conducive environment for Tanzanian scientists and innovators, facilitated by strategic partnerships with international institutions and friendly nations.

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As part of its global collaboration, COSTECH has secured 5.65bn/- for joint research projects with Tanzanian researchers and international partners. In a historic move, the government allocated 6.3bn/- for climate change mitigation research, alongside 600m/- earmarked for four food security projects.

These projects focus on controlling crop diseases, improving food storage and developing high-nutrient foods. Further investments have led to the establishment of eight innovation clusters across various regions, including Kigoma, Geita, Mafia and Mbeya.

A total of 750m/- has been invested in these projects, which utilise advanced technologies to improve the production of vegetable oils, gold and marine products.

In its bid to support the commercialisation of local innovations, Dr Nungu noted that the government has invested 2.3bn/- through the Samia Innovation Commercialisation Fund.

This initiative helps Tanzanian innovators bring their ideas to market by overcoming barriers to accessing capital. Under President Samia’s leadership, COSTECH has developed digital research management systems through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project and has established research hubs at universities such as Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NMAIST), with a funding allocation of 4.7bn/-.

“These achievements position Tanzania as a global competitor in science and technology,” Dr Nungu said.

“This is not just an investment; it is a strategic move that reflects President Samia’s transformative leadership, which is visionary and focused on the long-term development of the nation.”

Dr Nungu revealed that the government has committed 9bn/- to refurbish COSTECH’s building and construct a new facility in Dodoma, further strengthening the country’s research infrastructure.