Inside Tanzania’s breakthrough in innovation revolution

DAR ES SALAAM: THE next breakthrough in agriculture, healthcare or environmental protection may not come from a multinational corporation or a university research centre, it could emerge from a Tanzanian secondary school classroom.

Across the country, young innovators are applying science, technology and artificial intelligence to solve everyday challenges, thanks to a growing partnership between Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) and Exim Bank Tanzania that is turning curiosity into real-world solutions.

The partnership, recently renewed at Exim Bank Tanzania headquarters in Dar for a sixth consecutive year under the 2026 programme, represents far more than a corporate sponsorship.

It was a celebration of six years of investing in young minds, nurturing scientific curiosity and helping students transform classroom knowledge into innovations capable of solving reallife challenges.

Over the years, the collaboration has supported hundreds of young innovators, many of whom are now pursuing careers in science and technology, while others have turned their school projects into thriving businesses.

For YST Co-founder Dr Godzibert Kamugisha, that is precisely what the programme was created to achieve. Founded in 2011, YST was established to inspire secondary school students to look beyond textbooks and examinations by applying science to challenges facing their communities.

“We teach students that science is not just something you learn in the classroom. It is a tool for solving problems,” said Dr Kamugisha.

Whether the challenge involves healthcare, agriculture, climate change, livestock, food preservation or access to clean water, students are encouraged to observe what is happening around them and ask one simple question: What scientific knowledge can I use to solve this problem?

“They take what they learn in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and other science subjects and apply it practically. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve community problems, they become part of the solution,” he said.

It is a philosophy that closely aligns with Exim Bank Tanzania’s own belief that innovation drives progress. According to Dr Kamugisha, the bank’s slogan “Innovation is Life” reflects the same vision that has guided YST since its inception.

“That is why this partnership has worked so well. We share the same belief that innovation changes lives,” he said.

The results of that shared vision are becoming increasingly visible. One of this year’s most promising student projects is an Adaptive Smart Crop Storage System, an innovation designed to reduce post-harvest losses among farmers.

Using sensors and artificial intelligence, the system monitors temperature, humidity and ventilation inside grain storage facilities before automatically regulating conditions to keep crops such as maize and beans fresh for longer.

For farmers who lose significant portions of their harvest because of poor storage, the technology could make a remarkable difference.

But it is only one example. Since the programme began, students have continued producing innovations that address practical challenges facing Tanzanian communities.

In Arusha, students developed a method of converting discarded human hair from salons into organic fertiliser, transforming what was once waste into a valuable agricultural product.

In Shinyanga, another team designed technology capable of extending the shelf life of fresh milk, allowing pastoralists to transport their produce to markets without spoilage.

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Students from Lindi created a mosquito repellent made from lemongrass, providing a natural alternative to chemical-based products.

Today, the innovation has evolved into a commercial product and a source of income for its creators.

For Dr Kamugisha, these examples demonstrate that the programme is not simply producing science fair projects.

“We have seen many innovations grow into businesses. Young people are creating jobs, generating income and solving problems at the same time,” he said.

The impact extends well beyond entrepreneurship.

Since the partnership began, the programme has helped cultivate a new generation of scientists and professionals. Each year, the best student innovators receive university scholarships to pursue sciencerelated courses.

To date, 56 students have benefited from these scholarships, with many now working as engineers, medical doctors, pharmacists, biotechnologists and researchers across the country. Yet Dr Kamugisha insists the programme’s greatest success cannot be measured by businesses or scholarships alone.

“Our biggest achievement is that we are building a culture of science,” he said.

He compares the vision to Brazil’s football culture, “People often say Brazil produces great footballers because football is part of their culture. Children grow up playing football naturally. That is exactly what we want for science in Tanzania.”

He added, “We want every young Tanzanian to reach a point where, whenever they see a problem, their first instinct is not to wait for government or foreign assistance. Instead, they should immediately ask themselves, ‘How can I use science to solve this? Those ambitions are increasingly attracting national attention.

This year’s competition has recorded its highest participation since the programme was launched, attracting 1,330 project submissions from 287 secondary schools across every region of Tanzania.

After a rigorous assessment and mentorship process, 162 projects have been shortlisted, while the top 45 innovations will be showcased during the Young Scientists Tanzania National Science and Technology Exhibition on September 17 at the University of Dar es Salaam’s New Library Hall.

For Exim Bank Tanzania, these achievements demonstrate why the partnership continues to grow stronger. Speaking during the launch, Kauthar D’Souza, Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, said supporting young innovators is one of the bank’s most meaningful investments.

“At Exim Bank Tanzania, we believe innovation begins with empowering young minds,” she said.

She added, “Our partnership with Young Scientists Tanzania reflects our commitment to supporting students who are curious, creative and passionate about developing solutions that can transform communities and contribute to national progress.”

Ms D’Souza said the six year collaboration has consistently demonstrated the value of investing in education, research and talent development.

“By supporting these young innovators today, we are helping build a stronger foundation for Tanzania’s future,” she said.

This year, however, the partnership has evolved beyond financial sponsorship. Instead of simply providing funding, Exim Bank professionals have joined Young Scientists Tanzania teams on school visits, mentoring students and helping refine their projects before the national competition.

The initiative has already begun in several schools in Dar es Salaam, with plans to expand to other regions where the bank operates.

According to Dr Kamugisha, that decision marks an important milestone. “Many organisations sponsor programmes financially, but Exim has decided to become part of the innovation process itself,” he said.

He added, “Their professionals are sharing knowledge with students, offering technical advice and helping improve projects before they even reach the exhibition stage. That kind of mentorship is invaluable.”

Despite the programme’s success, challenges remain. Every year, thousands of student’s express interest in participating, yet limited financial resources mean only a fraction can receive mentorship and advance through the competition.

Dr Kamugisha also believes communities need to do more to support young innovators. He says teachers frequently contribute their own money to help students develop prototypes, while many promising ideas struggle to secure even modest financial backing.

“The government has created supportive policies and institutions such as COSTECH continue supporting innovation. But building an innovative nation is everyone’s responsibility. Families, businesses and communities must also invest in these young people,” he said.

His message is both simple and powerful, “The Tanzania we want to see in the next 20 or 30 years will not be built by today’s leaders alone but it will be built by the students who are sitting in our secondary school classrooms today. If we invest in them now, we are investing in the future of our country.”