The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has acknowledged the essential role of Science and Technology in national development, thereby investing significantly in strong infrastructural support within educational institutions specializing in these fields, such as the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.
On December 14, 2023, during an official visit to the institution in Arusha, Professor Carolyne Nombo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized this commitment. She stressed that the government's dedication to fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement by ensuring a continuous transition of innovations from research to market viability. Professor Carolyne highlighted the strategic investment in the commercial sector, aiming to facilitate the entry of technologies developed by researchers into the market through collaborations or subsidiary initiatives.
"The government, through costech, allocates annual funds to enhance various technologies crafted by our researchers and designers. Our objective is to refine these innovations, making them market-ready and capable of addressing societal challenges," Professor Carolyne stated. Furthermore, emphasizing the educational sector's broader vision, Professor Carolyne outlined plans to promote educational tourism. The initiative aims to attract diverse visitors to educational institutions, offering insights into innovative advancements across various sectors.
"In many instances, individuals traveling abroad engage in educational tourism by visiting educational or research institutions. Tanzania seeks to facilitate such educational tourism, thereby strengthening the arrival of tourists keen on exploring our nation's educational landscape," added Professor Carolyne Nombo.
During the visit, Vice Chancellor Professor Maulilio Kipanyula clarified the purpose behind Professor Carolyne's visit, was firsthand insights into the institution's activities by touring the Teaching and Research Laboratories, along with the Incubation Centre, to witness the diverse variety of innovations generated by the institution.