The Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Hon. Kenani Kihongosi, has commended the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) for its exceptional contributions to advancing technology and innovation in Tanzania.

During an official visit to the institution on August 12, 2025, Hon. Kihongosi expressed admiration for the institution’s cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing them as a testament to Tanzanian excellence in science and technology.

“I am truly impressed by the presence of modern, well-equipped laboratories in ICT and related fields. This is a significant milestone for our country and proves that we can achieve remarkable progress through a commitment to excellence,” said Hon. Kihongosi.

He also praised NM-AIST’s strategic approach to ensuring 24/7 laboratory operations through the use of alternative energy sources, including solar power, backup generators, and energy storage systems.

During his tour, Hon. Kihongosi visited the institution’s ICT Resource Center, which features a high-performance computing system designed for rapid data processing and secure storage of sensitive information. He highlighted the center as a major national asset, particularly given the growing demand for reliable and secure data management across sectors.

“I encourage both public and private institutions to explore opportunities for collaboration with NM-AIST in securing and managing their data using internationally recognized best practices,” he added.

The Regional Commissioner also urged NM-AIST staff to continue embracing unity, teamwork, accountability, and patriotism in carrying out their responsibilities with professionalism.

In response, the Vice Chancellor of NM-AIST, Professor Maulilio Kipanyula, provided a brief history of the institution and highlighted key achievements. He noted that NM-AIST has successfully developed 33 innovations and was recently honored with the “Innovation Registration Champion” award by the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), recognizing the institution’s significant role in advancing technology in Tanzania.