From Barriers to Nation-Building: Prof. Evelyne Mbede Crowned PreIWD 2026 Phenomenal Woman of the Year
By Zamda George, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is celebrating a moment of national pride following the recognition of its distinguished scholar, Prof. Evelyne Isack Mbede, as the Phenomenal Woman of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Pre-International Women’s Day (PreIWD) Awards recently.
The award – an honour that cements her legacy as a trailblazer in science, leadership, and national development – was presented during the high-profile PreIWD 2026 VIP Black-Tie Gala in Dar es Salaam, officiated by the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa.
Presenting the award, at this event which brought together top government officials, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to celebrate women shaping Tanzania’s future, Dr. Kiruswa hailed Prof. Mbede as a transformative leader whose work transcends academia.
“Professor Mbede represents the highest ideals of excellence, resilience, and national service. Her contributions to science and policy continue to shape Tanzania’s development trajectory and inspire generations of women to pursue careers in science and leadership”, he noted.
Organised as part of the national build-up to International Women’s Day, PreIWD has emerged as a powerful platform for recognising women of impact while driving dialogue on inclusive growth, particularly in science, technology, and the extractives sector.
Founded through a partnership between Ecograf Limited and Azurite Management & Consultancy Limited, the initiative not only celebrates achievement but also promotes policies and practices that empower women across industries.
At the heart of the awards is the Phenomenal Woman category, reserved for individuals whose influence reflects exceptional leadership, national significance, and the ability to inspire future generations. Prof. Mbede’s selection stands as a powerful affirmation of a career defined by breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.
A scholar of firsts, Prof. Mbede is Tanzania’s first female PhD holder in Earth Sciences, the first woman to attain professorial rank in the field, and the first female Dean of the Faculty of Science, which is now the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS) at UDSM.
Her academic journey began at UDSM with a First Class Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1982, followed by a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from Imperial College London and a PhD in Earth Sciences from Technical University of Berlin in 1993.
The recognition belongs to all the women who dared to dream
Reflecting on the recognition, Prof. Mbede described the award as both an honour and a responsibility. “This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to all the women who dared to dream, and to the institutions that believed in the power of education and science to transform lives”.
She added: “We must continue to open doors and ensure that more young women see science as a space where they belong and can lead”.
Over a career spanning decade, she has published more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers, advancing knowledge in geology, petroleum systems, tectonics, and natural hazard assessment. Her work has not only contributed to academic excellence but has also supported disaster risk reduction, demonstrating the vital role of science in saving lives and strengthening resilience.
Beyond academia, Prof. Mbede has played a strategic role in shaping Tanzania’s science and innovation landscape. She served as Director of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Government of Tanzania from 2007 to 2017, where she championed policies to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem.
Her global engagement includes serving on the Governing Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and she currently contributes to national development as a board member of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Training and guiding generations of geoscientists
At UDSM, colleagues and former students describe her greatest impact not only through her academic achievements, but also through her mentorship and leadership. She has trained and guided generations of geoscientists, many of whom now serve in key roles across academia, industry, and government – expanding her influence far beyond the classroom.
UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research Prof. Nelson Boniface praised the recognition as a reflection of the University’s commitment to excellence. “Professor Mbede’s achievement underscores the University’s role in nurturing leaders whose impact resonates nationally and globally. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of higher education and research”.
As Tanzania continues to advance its development agenda, Prof. Mbede’s recognition stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when determination meets opportunity. Her story, marked by intellectual rigour, quiet resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service, continues to inspire a new generation to push boundaries and shape the future.
In honouring her, PreIWD 2026 has not only celebrated a distinguished scientist, but also reaffirmed the importance of representation, perseverance, and purpose in building an inclusive and innovative society.