Dar Mayor Applauds UDSM for Turning Research into Business Opportunities Through Strong Industry Partnerships
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
Dar es Salaam City Mayor, Hon. Nurdin Bilal Juma, has commended the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) for strengthening partnerships with industry and successfully translating research and innovation into commercially viable products that are creating jobs, supporting local industries and contributing to Tanzania's economic transformation.
The Mayor made the remarks during his visit to the UDSM pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, where he toured a wide range of research-based innovations, technologies and community services showcased by the University under this year's theme, “The Sabasaba International Trade Fair is Tanzania's Pride”.
Speaking after touring the exhibition, Hon. Bilal said UDSM is demonstrating that a modern university's impact should extend beyond teaching and academic publications to include innovation, entrepreneurship and meaningful contributions to national development.
"The relevance of a university should not only be measured by the graduates it produces or the research it publishes, but also by the impact it creates in society. I am impressed to see the University of Dar es Salaam working closely with industry to transform research into products and businesses that create employment, support entrepreneurs and address real challenges facing our communities”, he said.
He noted that the innovations displayed at the pavilion reflected the University's growing ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry by commercialising research and creating enterprises capable of generating income while improving people's livelihoods.
"When research reaches the marketplace, it stimulates local industries, creates jobs and contributes directly to economic growth. This is exactly the kind of university-industry collaboration Tanzania needs to accelerate industrialisation and sustainable development”, the Mayor added.
Hon. Bilal further praised UDSM for using the Sabasaba Trade Fair as a strategic platform to engage the public and demonstrate the practical value of university research.
"Exhibitions such as this create important opportunities for universities, government institutions, industries and the public to connect, exchange ideas and establish partnerships. They also help people appreciate how research and innovation can provide practical solutions to everyday challenges”, he said.
Strengthening innovation ecosystem by research groups, innovation hubs and business incubation
During the visit, University officials explained that UDSM continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem through research groups, innovation hubs and business incubation programmes that support researchers and young entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into market-ready products and enterprises.
They noted that innovators receive technical support in product development, mentorship, business incubation and market access, enabling promising technologies to move beyond the laboratory into commercial production and wider societal application.
The University also highlighted its continued efforts to deepen collaboration with government institutions, private sector organisations and development partners to accelerate technology transfer, strengthen business incubation services, attract investment for research commercialisation and align research priorities with industry needs.
Hon. Bilal reaffirmed the Dar es Salaam City Council's commitment to working closely with UDSM and other institutions of higher learning to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and community development.
"We value partnerships with universities because they generate new ideas, strengthen local industries and improve the well-being of our communities. I encourage the University of Dar es Salaam to continue opening its doors to government, businesses and the public so that together we can unlock more opportunities for innovation and national development”, he said.
The Mayor's visit reaffirmed the growing recognition of UDSM's role in driving research-led innovation and strengthening industry partnerships that transform scientific discoveries into practical solutions with lasting socio-economic impact.
Through strategic collaboration and a strong commitment to commercialising research, the University continues to position itself as a key partner in advancing Tanzania's industrialisation agenda and knowledge-based economy.