In a bold move to modernize scientific inquiry in Tanzania, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) hosted a five-day training program from June 2–6, 2025, on Systematic Reviews and the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The initiative aimed to empower the country’s academic and research community with advanced tools to enhance research quality and impact.

During the program’s closing, Dr. Mussa Ally Dida, Dean of the School of Computational and Communication Science and Engineering, highlighted its transformative potential in applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Participants, including lecturers, directors, researchers, and ICT experts, gained hands-on experience with AI technologies that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of systematic literature reviews. These skills enable researchers to analyze vast amounts of data quickly, identify hidden insights, and produce more robust evidence. The training also strengthened participants’ critical thinking, data management, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills essential for addressing today’s complex development challenges.

The program brought together professionals from key institutions such as the Ministry of Livestock and Fishery, Ministry of Defense and National Services, Tanzania Investment Centre, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and others. Reflections from participants like Mr. Leonald D. Shayo and Miss Glory Shirima of the Tanzania Investment Centre revealed the program’s deep impact. Mr. Shayo described it as “eye-opening,” while Miss Shirima said it reignited her passion for research and offered fresh academic direction.

This training marks more than a milestone for NM-AIST; it represents a national stride toward building research capacity powered by innovation and AI. By equipping professionals with modern research tools, Tanzania is taking a significant step toward generating faster, evidence-based insights that can guide policymaking and sustainable development. As AI evolves, NM-AIST ensures that Tanzania’s scientific community remains at the forefront of global research transformation.