Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s universities are fast becoming breeding grounds for innovation and entrepreneurship, as a growing number of students transform their academic projects into commercially viable enterprises.
This transformation follows a new initiative designed to help young innovators bridge the gap between creativity and the market.
The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with Mwananchi Communications Limited and several private-sector partners, aims to provide mentorship, funding, and incubation support for university-based startups.
“The goal is to ensure that brilliant ideas born in classrooms and laboratories do not die after graduation,” said Dr. Rehema Mwakyusa, Director of Innovation at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).
“We want to help students translate their research and prototypes into sustainable products and services that add real economic value.”
Under the initiative, promising projects from universities such as the University of Dar es Salaam, Ardhi University, and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology have already received seed funding and access to national innovation hubs.
Some of these projects range from renewable energy solutions and agricultural automation tools to locally designed health-tech devices.
One of the beneficiaries, Sarah Nakimuli, a recent engineering graduate, developed a solar-powered irrigation system for smallholder farmers. “Before joining the program, my project was just a university assignment,” she said. “Now, with mentorship and funding, we’re producing systems for real farms across Morogoro and Dodoma.”
Experts believe that fostering such innovation ecosystems will not only address youth unemployment but also boost Tanzania’s competitiveness in the regional technology market.
“Tanzania’s economic growth depends on our ability to innovate,” said Prof. Edward Mgaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam. “By supporting young entrepreneurs, we are building the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.”
As more universities embrace entrepreneurship training and industry partnerships, the future looks bright for a new generation of Tanzanian innovators ready to move from ideas to impact.
