Government Leaders Hail UDSM Innovations, Urge Students to Turn Research into High-Impact Enterprises
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
Senior government leaders have praised the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) for developing practical innovations that address national development challenges while urging university students and young innovators to leverage government financing to transform research into commercially viable enterprises.
The call was made by the Singida Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Fatuma Mganga, and the Singida District Commissioner, Dr Sophia Kizigo, during their visit to the UDSM pavilion at the 32nd Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition, currently underway at the Dr John Samuel Malecela Exhibition Grounds in Dodoma.
The two leaders toured a wide range of innovations developed by UDSM researchers and students, including technologies designed to improve agricultural productivity, promote environmental conservation, advance clean energy, and enhance livelihoods.
Speaking after the tour, Dr Mganga commended the University for consistently producing research-driven innovations that respond to the country's development priorities.
Among the highlights was a technology that converts waste materials into clean cooking energy, an innovation that addresses two critical challenges simultaneously by promoting sustainable waste management while providing an affordable alternative source of household energy.
“The Government is strongly promoting the adoption of clean energy and innovative technologies that support sustainable development. Innovations such as this waste-to-clean-cooking-energy technology align well with the country's development priorities and the National Development Vision 2050," said Dr Mganga.
She noted that universities play a critical role in generating home-grown solutions capable of accelerating Tanzania's socio-economic transformation and achieving long-term sustainable development.
Dr Kizigo, on her part, challenged university students and graduates to move beyond research by commercialising their innovations through affordable loans offered by the Government via local government authorities.
She observed that despite the availability of youth empowerment funds, participation by university graduates and students remains below expectations.
“Many university graduates and students remain focused on academic work and research without fully utilising the opportunities available to them. Local government authorities continue to provide affordable loans for youth, yet participation from university graduates is still low. We encourage them to seize these opportunities and transform their innovations into impactful enterprises that benefit both society and the nation," she said.
The leaders said strengthening the link between research, innovation and entrepreneurship would not only create employment opportunities for young people but also accelerate the development of locally made technologies that respond to national needs.
They further applauded UDSM for its continued investment in research and innovation, describing the University's participation in the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition as a demonstration of its commitment to supporting Tanzania's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
According to the leaders, the technologies and products exhibited by UDSM researchers and students illustrate how universities can contribute practical solutions to challenges facing the agriculture, energy and environmental sectors while improving livelihoods and advancing the country's sustainable development agenda.