Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) is on course to become one of the most advanced cancer treatment and training centres in East Africa, following the construction of a Sh30.2 billion state-of-the-art oncology facility in Dodoma.
Once completed, the Centre of Excellence for Cancer Training and Treatment is expected to significantly elevate BMH’s capacity, transforming it into a regional referral hub for cancer care while strengthening Tanzania’s ability to diagnose, treat, and manage complex oncology cases locally.
Regional recognition and international support
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Africa Regional Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr Gashaw Wolde, toured the facility under construction and praised the scale and ambition of the project.
The centre is being developed to meet international standards in cancer diagnosis and treatment, positioning Tanzania as a key player in regional oncology services at a time when cancer cases across Africa continue to rise.
Expanding access to specialised cancer care
Health experts say the facility will play a crucial role in reducing the need for Tanzanian patients to seek expensive cancer treatment abroad, while also easing pressure on existing oncology units in the country.
Once operational, the centre will offer advanced radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, and specialised oncology services, supported by modern medical technology and trained specialists.
Beyond treatment, the facility is also designed as a training hub, aimed at building local and regional expertise in cancer management. Medical professionals from Tanzania and neighbouring countries are expected to benefit from specialised training programmes, research opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare system
The project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to modernise healthcare infrastructure and expand access to specialised medical services. By anchoring advanced cancer care in Dodoma, the initiative also supports Tanzania’s decentralisation agenda, ensuring high-quality healthcare is not concentrated only in major commercial cities.
Officials believe the centre will enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes by shortening diagnosis and treatment timelines.
A regional hub in the making
With backing from international partners such as the IAEA and significant public investment, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital is steadily positioning itself as a centre of excellence for oncology in East Africa.
As construction progresses toward completion, expectations are high that the facility will not only save lives but also place Tanzania firmly on the regional map for advanced cancer treatment, research, and training.
