Dar es Salaam. In a significant statement at the 9th Science, Technology, Innovation, and Exhibition Conference held in Dar es Salaam on December 2, 2024, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, outlined a strategic vision for the country’s future—one where local scientific research is fully recognized, supported, and harnessed to solve national challenges.
His words reflected a growing realization that the path to sustainable national development lies not only in importing foreign solutions but in leveraging the expertise and innovation of Tanzanian scientists and researchers.
The challenge of underappreciation
Dr Biteko’s remarks highlighted a critical issue that has long hindered the full potential of Tanzania’s research and innovation sector: the undervaluation of local scientists’ contributions.
Despite their substantial efforts to address pressing issues—ranging from public health and agriculture to energy and environmental sustainability—researchers often face greater recognition abroad than at home.
This disparity in acknowledgment, according to Dr Biteko, can lead to demotivation, stalling progress and innovation within the country.
This issue, while not unique to Tanzania, is especially significant in countries striving to develop their own scientific and technological capabilities.
The gap between domestic research and international acclaim speaks to a broader issue of how developing nations often prioritize external validation over fostering homegrown solutions.
Dr Biteko’s call for action seeks to reverse this trend, urging both government and private institutions to not only appreciate but actively engage with local research in tackling national problems.
A government at the helm of change
Dr Biteko’s speech was more than just a critique; it was a call to action for both government institutions and the private sector to step up and recognize the value of Tanzanian research.
He pointed to the government’s increasing commitment to supporting local innovation, citing the substantial funding allocated to research projects.
The government has already invested over Sh222 billion since 2015, with an additional 32 billion shillings currently directed towards strengthening research and development through the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).
These investments, while commendable, reflect a recognition that the path to meaningful development requires an ecosystem that nurtures and rewards local innovation.
COSTECH’s initiatives, such as granting loans and funding to researchers, are crucial steps towards building a robust framework for scientific advancement.
However, these efforts must go beyond financial support.
They need to be part of a broader national strategy to integrate research into policy-making, public service delivery, and private sector development.
The importance of collaboration and capacity building
For the government’s vision to succeed, capacity-building and collaboration will be essential.
The emphasis on empowering young scientists and entrepreneurs, particularly through programs such as the Samia Fund—designed to commercialize innovative research—signals a shift towards making science and innovation a viable career path in Tanzania.
However, this alone will not suffice if there is not a parallel investment in education and infrastructure to support the next generation of researchers.
The growth of local research cannot occur in isolation. It requires a collaborative approach between universities, research institutions, and the private sector.
The challenge lies in creating an environment where scientists are not only incentivized to conduct research but are also provided with the tools, mentorship, and industry connections necessary for translating their work into tangible solutions.
Here, Tanzania’s focus on youth empowerment through research funding becomes crucial.
If young innovators see a clear path from academic research to real-world application, it could spark a wave of creativity and problem-solving that propels the country toward self-sufficiency.
The Global Context: Aligning with International Standards
Tanzania’s efforts to support its researchers are not happening in a vacuum.
International partners, such as Norway, have expressed their support for Tanzania’s scientific and environmental initiatives, signaling that global cooperation can play a key role in advancing the country’s research sector.
However, while international collaboration is valuable, it is essential for Tanzania to define its own research agenda and solutions.
By aligning its research objectives with both local needs and global trends—such as environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and health innovation—Tanzania can create a research ecosystem that attracts international recognition while directly addressing the challenges faced by its population.
The recognition of local research must be accompanied by an effort to showcase these innovations on the global stage, so they become part of the international conversation.
The path forward: Moving from recognition to action
The success of Dr Biteko’s call for a more inclusive and locally driven scientific agenda will depend on the sustained commitment from both the government and other stakeholders.
The Tanzanian government has made commendable strides in increasing funding for research, but long-term success will require more than just financial investment.
It will need policy alignment, robust public-private partnerships, and a shift in public perception to fully appreciate the value of homegrown science and innovation.
Moreover, Tanzania must move from mere recognition of the importance of local research to a model where scientific output directly influences national development.
The research conducted in Tanzania must not only help solve existing problems but must also anticipate future challenges.
Whether in agriculture, health, or energy, the goal should be to build a research ecosystem that actively contributes to the country’s long-term prosperity.
The Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, stated that the government has started to recognize the efforts of local scientists and researchers, with some of them being awarded certificates in recognition of their contributions to development in various sectors, including Health, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
He further explained that to ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the government has established a low-interest loan fund to commercialize innovations and research in Tanzania, known as the Samia Fund.
On his part, the Director General of COSTECH, Dr Amos Nungu, thanked the government for its support, which has enabled the agency to carry out its duties effectively and become one of the leading institutions to be emulated in sub-Saharan Africa.
He added that through various programs, COSTECH has helped many young people turn their dreams into opportunities, including granting 1,000 permits to foreign researchers.
Norway’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, commended Tanzania for its efforts to advance researchers and innovators, while also expressing her country’s willingness to continue supporting environmental conservation programs.
Additionally, 19 groups have received a symbolic cheque of Sh6.3 billion as loans for researchers and innovators who have produced impactful results.
