Research, innovation power blue economy

DAR ES SALAAM: RESEARCH and innovation can play a key role in advancing the blue economy, unlocking sustainable solutions and value addition across marine and freshwater sectors.

Tanzania’s blue economy has huge potential to drive sustainable growth and improve livelihoods by harnessing these resources for jobs, food security and poverty reduction, while protecting ecosystems and building climate resilience.

Anchored in national development plans, it is emerging as a key driver of inclusive growth that links coastal opportunities with inland development.

Great emphasis is also placed in Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which positions the Blue Economy as a core national growth engine, shifting focus from mere resource extraction to treating the country’s extensive coastline as an industrial, logistical and financial space to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2050.

It is against this backdrop that the government established the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at the University of Dar es Salaam in Zanzibar to advance research, innovation and capacity building in support of the blue economy.

As Tanzania intensifies its focus on sustainable use of marine resources, IMS is emerging as a key engine for skills development, scientific discovery and socio-economic transformation.

The strategic importance of IMS was underscored recently by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to far reaching reforms in education, science, research and innovation.

Speaking during the launch of the IMS Science and Administration Building at the University of Dar es Salaam campus in Buyu, Zanzibar, the President said that the reforms aimed at building a competitive, sustainable and resilient economy anchored in knowledge and innovation.

President Samia highlighted IMS as a vital national asset in advancing Tanzania’s blue economy, noting that the institute plays a significant role in promoting inclusive economic growth, sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, climate resilience and effective marine resource management.

She stressed that as the government places increasing emphasis on the blue economy as a development pillar, institutions such as IMS must rise to the challenge by aligning education and research with national economic priorities.

A key message in her address was the need to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector.

President Samia urged university lecturers, researchers and administrators to build strong partnerships with industry players to ensure that research findings and innovations are translated into practical solutions that deliver measurable economic and social benefits.

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“Academic research should not remain theoretical or confined within university walls,” she said.

It must address real world economic and societal challenges and contribute directly to national development.”

She further called on students to approach their studies with discipline, commitment and creativity, emphasising that the quality of knowledge generated today will shape Tanzania’s future.

According to the President, a knowledge based society with skilled and informed citizens is essential for sustaining long term economic growth. Samia noted that IMS holds strategic importance not only for Zanzibar but for the nation as a whole, particularly in marine science research.

She explained that such research is essential in promoting sustainable fisheries, mitigating the impacts of climate change, strengthening marine tourism and advancing the broader blue economy agenda.

She described research, innovation and a supportive academic environment as key pillars for accelerating growth in the blue economy, which she identified as a critical driver of economic expansion, employment creation and national revenue generation.

Investment in marine research and education, she added, must translate into higher productivity, improved livelihoods and long-term economic returns for both present and future generations.

“Research outputs should not remain confined within university walls. Communities surrounding these institutions must directly benefit through business opportunities, service provision and social initiatives that increase household incomes, she said”

Moreover, Samia encouraged academic institutions to serve as catalysts for development by introducing and strengthening short term training programmes for individuals already engaged in marine related activities.

Such programmes, she said, would enhance productivity, raise incomes and improve understanding of the sustainable use of marine resources, thereby contributing to long term development across marine sectors.

She also urged young people to seize the opportunities created by the expanding blue economy by acquiring relevant skills and knowledge that will enable them to compete effectively in the labour market and become responsible custodians of marine resources.

The emphasis on the blue economy is equally strong within the Zanzibar government. Earlier, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi noted that the blue economy lies at the core of the Isles’ economic policy.

He pointed out that key sectors such as tourism which contributes about 30 per cent to Zanzibar’s Gross Domestic Product, fishing, seaweed farming and marine aquaculture are central to the region’s economic future.

“IMS is well positioned to produce experts in these areas, as well as in other blue economy sectors such as seaports, oil and gas and maritime transport,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He added that the government has high expectations for the institute in generating research that will inform evidence based policymaking.

“Our core policy is the blue economy. We are working to develop policies grounded in research findings, and we believe the knowledge generated at IMS will help shape policies that drive progress in this sector,” he said.

The former President and UDSM Chancellor, Dr Jakaya Kikwete underscored the importance of modern facilities in advancing research excellence and high quality training in marine sciences.

In calling for a second phase of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, Dr Kikwete emphasised that continued collaboration between the government and development partners, including the World Bank, is essential to close remaining infrastructure gaps in higher education.

He noted that sustained investment will play a critical role in unlocking the full potential of the blue economy and supporting long-term, inclusive growth in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

UDSM Vice-Chancellor Prof William Anangisye highlighted that the newly constructed IMS facilities, valued at 11.1bn/-, represent a significant milestone in the institution’s development.

He explained that the expanded infrastructure will increase student intake capacity from 172 to 472 annually, creating opportunities for 300 additional students each year to pursue higher education and specialised training in marine sciences.

The modern facilities include advanced laboratories, lecture halls and research equipment designed to strengthen teaching quality and scientific output.

Aligned with the World Bank–supported HEET project worth 49.5 million US dollars, the investment aims to ensure that academic programmes remain responsive to labour market need