Dodoma. The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the application of artificial intelligence, research, and digital innovation to support the development of the financial sector and the national economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Dodoma, the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Mr Emmanuel Tutuba, said the partnership marks an important step towards aligning academic expertise with the operational needs of public institutions, particularly in the use of data and advanced analytical systems to enhance economic decision-making.

He said the central bank continues to adopt emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to assess economic trends, conduct macroeconomic forecasting, and strengthen oversight of national payment systems, noting that collaboration with academic institutions is critical to sustaining these initiatives.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of NM-AIST, Prof Maulilio Kipanyula, said the agreement is focused on practical outcomes rather than administrative formalities, with the aim of addressing real-world economic challenges through research, data-driven innovation, and the application of emerging digital technologies.

Prof Kipanyula added that NM-AIST, a regional institution for postgraduate and doctoral studies, has established a strong reputation for excellence in research and innovation, emphasizing that academic outputs should directly inform policy formulation and practical implementation within public institutions.

The MoU signing also involved the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Ardhi University, and the Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (EASTC), underscoring a collective commitment by academic institutions and the Bank of Tanzania to advance collaboration in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital innovation for national development.