TANZANIA: BIO-manufacturing is transforming industries across the globe. It is a cutting-edge field leveraging biological systems to create sustainable products.
This revolutionary technology combines bioengineering, biochemistry and synthetic biology to produce bio-based goods that are not only sustainable but also essential for various sectors, from food and healthcare to personal care and environmental management.
In the context of the blue economy, an economic model focused on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem healthmarine bio-manufacturing holds immense potential.
However, despite Tanzania’s rich marine resources, such as diverse species of seaweeds, fish and algae, these resources have remained largely underutilised.
Integrating these resources into the bio-manufacturing sector can reduce unemployment among the country’s youth, especially those with training in marine sciences, bioengineering and related fields.
Both government and private stakeholders, through public-private partnerships (PPP), can play pivotal roles in advancing this transformative approach. Marine resources in Tanzania’s Indian Ocean and its vast network of lakes offer a wealth of bio-manufacturing opportunities.
Seaweed, for instance, is a readily available and versatile resource. Various species of seaweed, including Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum, contain bioactive compounds with applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and biofuels.
Algae and other marine organisms also offer a range of bioproducts, such as bio-surfactants, which are valuable in the personal care industry and alternative proteins can serve as sustainable food sources.
With consumers increasingly prioritising eco-friendly products, bio-manufacturing using marine resources meets market demands for sustainability and functionality.
Moreover, synthetic biology can enhance the productivity and usability of marine resources by engineering marine organisms with desirable traits. By altering genetic pathways, scientists can increase yields of bioactive compounds, making marine bio-manufacturing more efficient and commercially viable.
This approach can turn raw marine materials into high-value products, from pharmaceuticals to biodegradable packaging materials, fostering economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability.
In recent years, Tanzania has produced a growing number of graduates in marine sciences, bioengineering and food processing fields integral to bio-manufacturing.
However, without adequate industry opportunities, many of these young professionals, will face challenges in securing relevant employment. But the good thing is that marine bio-manufacturing can address this challenge by creating jobs that capitalise on their skills, from research and development to production and quality assurance.
The emerging marine biomanufacturing industry could employ young professionals in various roles, such as bioprocess engineering, product development and quality control. With the anticipated expansion of the bioeconomy, bio-manufacturing is expected to contribute significantly to the manufacturing sector by the end of the 21st century.
By investing in this sector now, Tanzania can provide its youth with meaningful and sustainable employment, ultimately helping to alleviate unemployment rates and drive economic development. Furthermore, training programmes in marine bio-manufacturing can bridge skill gaps, ensuring that Tanzanian youth are equipped to lead in this innovative field.
To unlock the full potential of marine bio-manufacturing, government support and private investment are essential. Public-private partnerships (PPP) offer an effective model for fostering industry growth, as they combine the regulatory power and resources of the government with the efficiency and innovation of the private sector.
The Tanzanian government, through its responsible ministries, can facilitate these partnerships by funding initiatives that aim to build biomanufacturing enterprises and research facilities.
Such projects can bridge the gap between emerging technologies and market demands, allowing the country to capitalise on its marine resources sustainably. On the government side, policies that promote biomanufacturing and provide financial incentives, such as tax breaks or grants for startups, can attract private investors and enable innovation.
The government can also develop a supportive regulatory framework that encourages sustainable practices, ensuring that bio-manufacturing remains environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Moreover, government-backed research and development centres could collaborate with universities and industry players, offering incubation programmes for young scientists and entrepreneurs aiming to commercialise marine bioproducts.
Private companies, on the other hand, have a critical role in scaling bio-manufacturing operations. By investing in research, technology and infrastructure, private entities can create viable business models that drive the bio-manufacturing sector forward.
Initiatives by companies such as Healthy Seaweed Co Limited in Tanzania demonstrate the feasibility of marine bio-manufacturing on a small scale.
However, to maximise impact, more substantial private investments are necessary. Through PPPs, private companies can access government support for infrastructure development and regulatory compliance, facilitating a smoother transition from small-scale initiatives to industry-wide impact.
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A major challenge in establishing a marine biomanufacturing industry is the need for specialised infrastructure. Bio-manufacturing facilities require sophisticated equipment, laboratories and processing units tailored to the unique properties of marine resources. Building such infrastructure is a capital-intensive endeavour, which makes government intervention crucial.
By constructing shared bio-manufacturing facilities, the government can provide small businesses and startups with access to resources they might otherwise be unable to afford. These facilities could be strategically located along the Tanzanian coastline, making it easier for businesses to access raw materials and promoting regional development.
In addition to physical infrastructure, digital infrastructure is essential for fostering innovation in bio-manufacturing. Big data analytics and artificial intelligence can optimise bio-manufacturing processes by monitoring supply chains, predicting market trends and enhancing resource efficiency.
For instance, a Marine Big Data Centre could provide companies with valuable insights into sustainable harvesting practices, resource availability and consumer preferences, enabling them to make data-driven decisions. Investing in digital infrastructure, in partnership with the private sector, will strengthen Tanzania’s bio-manufacturing ecosystem and attract foreign investment.
Integrating marine biomanufacturing into Tanzania’s blue economy offers an avenue to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. By capitalising on underutilised marine resources, Tanzania can build a robust bioeconomy that provides jobs for its youth, fosters sustainable resource use and meets the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Marine bio-manufacturing aligns well with the blue economy’s goals, offering a sustainable way to generate value from marine resources while preserving ecosystems. To realise this vision, collaboration between government, private sector and educational institutions is essential.
Programmes that encourage young Tanzanians to pursue careers in marine sciences and bioengineering, coupled with industry partnerships, can create a skilled workforce ready to lead the bio-manufacturing industry.
Government policies and investments that support research, infrastructure and market development will further enable this transformation. By embracing marine bio-manufacturing, Tanzania can position itself as a leader in the blue economy, creating a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
The future of marine biomanufacturing in Tanzania is bright, with the potential to reduce youth unemployment, promote sustainable development and enhance the nation’s blue economy.
By recognising marine resources as valuable assets for the bio-manufacturing sector, Tanzania can unlock new economic opportunities and foster a culture of innovation.
Public-private partnerships, driven by supportive government policies and private investments, are key to building a thriving bio-manufacturing ecosystem. Through strategic initiatives and a commitment to sustainable growth, Tanzania can lead the way in harnessing the power of the ocean for a greener, more prosperous future.
The writer is an Academician at Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute, reachable via +255755443939, email: eliyustahaule@ gmail.com
