Tanzanian Education, Science and Technology Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda has emphasized the need for scientific verification of research and innovations by Tanzanians. On November 3, 2026, while laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Commission for Science and Technology (Costech) headquarters in Dodoma, he urged Costech and universities to ensure that local innovations deliver tangible results. This, he believes, will address challenges facing citizens and gain international recognition.
Prof Mkenda noted that the government has invested heavily in science and technology, recognizing their importance in driving development and enabling citizens to address various challenges through technological solutions. The government has sponsored 100 percent of students pursuing science subjects as part of a strategy to develop experts who would drive transformation in the information and communication technology sector. Some students have also been sponsored to study abroad to acquire skills to apply upon returning home.
The minister directed universities, Costech, and the Ministry's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) unit to ensure that innovations and research do not end up at exhibitions but provide solutions to challenges facing citizens. He also instructed the ministry to review the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy to clearly define implementation areas and responsibilities for each provision. This will enable effective implementation of the policy and ensure that local innovations benefit Tanzanians.
Costech director-general, Dr Amos Nungu, stated that the new building would serve as an incubation centre for innovators, providing them with space to use as their business address for one year as they develop the capacity to operate independently. The building, valued at Sh10.26 billion, is being constructed using funds from the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project and is 99 percent complete. It will also serve as an integrated research centre and house a digital library.
The new Costech headquarters will enable innovators to access services and information to support the development of their innovations. The acting chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Education, Sports and Culture, Mr Mabula Magangila, urged Costech to support small-scale innovators by helping them access capital to develop their ideas. He noted that inadequate funding was a major challenge facing innovators, preventing some projects from reaching the production and utilisation stages.
Mr Magangila noted that some innovations developed by Tanzanians had succeeded and been put to use after being taken abroad, only to be brought back into the country for local application, despite having originated from Tanzanians. He emphasized that all innovations in the country should be guided to ensure they benefit Tanzanians before going abroad. The government and Costech are working to create an environment that supports local innovations and ensures they contribute to the country's development.
The push for scientific verification of local innovations and support for small-scale innovators is expected to drive development and enable Tanzanians to address various challenges through technological solutions. With the new Costech headquarters nearing completion, innovators will have access to resources and support to develop their ideas and bring them to market. This is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and development trajectory.
Key points
- Tanzanian Education Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda has called for scientific verification of local innovations to gain international recognition and benefit innovators and the nation.
- The government has invested heavily in science and technology, recognizing their importance in driving development and enabling citizens to address various challenges through technological solutions.
- The new Costech headquarters will serve as an incubation centre for innovators and provide access to resources and support to develop their ideas and bring them to market.
