Dr. Kikwete Hails University’s Life-Saving Innovations at Trade Fair
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has once again demonstrated its role as a powerhouse of innovation, earning high praise from its Chancellor, former Tanzanian President H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, during his tour of the University’s exhibition at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba).
The fair, held from 28 June to 13 July 2025, provided a platform for UDSM to showcase its latest research breakthroughs and technological advancements. Dr. Kikwete, accompanied by senior officials and greeted by University leadership, took keen interest in the diverse exhibits, which highlighted the institution’s commitment to solving pressing national challenges.
A standout innovation was a revolutionary blood group testing device developed by a Master’s student in the College of Engineering and Technology, Ms. Nurath Nurdin, who also works at the Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS). Unlike conventional methods that require blood samples, this non-invasive tool uses sensor technology and data analytics to determine blood types instantly, a breakthrough with far-reaching implications for rural healthcare, emergency response, and blood donation services.
“This is precisely the kind of innovation we need: practical, lifesaving, and born from local expertise. UDSM is proving itself not just as an academic institution, but as a vital contributor to Tanzania’s development”, remarked Dr. Kikwete.
Speaking on behalf of the university, Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research Prof. Nelson Boniface emphasised UDSM’s strategic focus on research that aligns with national priorities, including the Third Five-Year Development Plan and Vision 2050. “Our mission is to equip students with the skills to create tangible solutions. “The Chancellor’s visit reinforces our resolve to push the boundaries of innovation.”
The UDSM pavilion was a major attraction at the fair, drawing crowds eager to witness advancements in fields ranging from engineering and health sciences to environmental sustainability and digital technology. The overwhelming public interest underscored the university’s reputation as a leader in research and development.
As Tanzania strides toward industrialisation under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, UDSM’s innovations highlight the critical role of academia in fostering homegrown solutions. With its latest achievements, the university continues to set the standard for how higher education can drive socio-economic transformation, turning knowledge into action for the nation’s progress.
The event not only celebrated UDSM’s accomplishments but also served as a reminder of the untapped potential within Tanzania’s academic institutions to shape a brighter, more self-reliant future.