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NEEMA OMARY MSUYA

College of Engineering and Technology

Chemical and Process Engineering

Biography

Dr. Neema Omari Msuya is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam’s College of Engineering and Technology. She is a Chemical and Process Engineer specializing in renewable energy technologies, bio-processing, polymer production, and environmental and risk management. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering, an MSc in Renewable Energy, and a BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering, all from the University of Dar es Salaam, with part of her MSc specialization undertaken at Makerere University, Uganda. Her postgraduate and doctoral training was supported by international scholarships, including DAAD (Germany) and NOMA (Norway).
Dr. Msuya joined UDSM in 2008 and rose through the academic ranks to Senior Lecturer in 2025. Her research focuses on waste valorization into bioproducts, fermentation and polymerization processes, sustainable waste management, water and wastewater treatment, and cleaner production technologies. She has led and contributed to nationally and internationally funded projects supported by JICA, COSTECH, UNESCO, and UDSM. She serves as Chairperson of IET CPE Division Tanzania, Deputy Manager of TDTC UDSM, Deputy Secretary of ASAPUCT, and was Vice Chairperson of UDASA for 4.5 years. She is actively engaged in academic leadership and mentorship, research and innovations, academic consultancies, and societal problem-solving initiatives

Research Interest

Biomass Valorization and Bio-based Product Development
Conversion of agricultural and agro-industrial residues such as sisal boles, banana peels, and fruit waste into biofertilizers, bioethanol, bioplastics (e.g., Polylactic acid), and other value-added biochemicals.
Bioplastics and Polymer Engineering
Production, characterization, and optimization of biodegradable polymers from lignocellulosic biomass, with a focus on Polylactic acid (PLA) synthesis and polymer properties.
Fermentation and Bioprocessing Technologies
Development of microbial fermentation processes for bioethanol and lactic acid production, including yeast isolation and process optimization from diverse biomass feedstocks.
Energy Systems and Sustainable Transitions
modeling and evaluation of efficient household energy mixes, bioenergy production, and cleaner fuel transitions to reduce environmental impact and improve energy access.
Separation, Purification, and Process Optimization
Advanced techniques for separation and purification in biochemical production, including azeotropic distillation and downstream processing optimization.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Using Natural Coagulants
Application of natural materials such as cactus pads and watermelon seeds for effective industrial and pond water purification, alongside integrated biological and physicochemical treatment methods.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Resource Sustainability
Evaluation of environmental burdens from charcoal production and energy systems, water quality assessments, and sustainability analyses supporting circular economy principles.
Process Modeling, Systems Analysis, and Cleaner Production
modeling performance of energy and industrial systems, integrating waste minimization, resource recovery, and circular economy strategies for sustainable industrial development.

Contacts

Email:

nmsuya@udsm.ac.tz

Projects

•    Improving banana yield and value addition to banana waste for Climate Friendly Banana farming – COSTECH (2025-ongoing))
•    Pilot Plant Design, Fabrication and Commissioning for Ethanol Production via Azeotropic Distillation – UDSM Research Grant (Ongoing)
•    Development and Dissemination of Innovative Oil-Extracting Technology from Crop Residues for Rural Electrification – SATREPS/JICA (2018–2025)
•    Production of Bioplastics from Lignocellulosic Agricultural Residues (Sisal Boles) – COSTECH (2014–2022)
•    Production of Ethanol for Sanitizer Manufacturing (COVID-19 Response) – UDSM (2019)
•    STEM for Girls Project (HEET) – University of Dar es Salaam (2022-2025)
•    CFIT III Project Preparation and Implementation – UNESCO (2020–2024)

AWARDS

1. Best Research Project (First Prize) at College level for the project titled “The Project for Development and Dissemination of Innovative Oil-Extracting Technology from Crop process Residue for Rural electrification and Value addition of by-products”. UDSM research and innovation week exhibitions held in May, 2023.
2. Best Research Project (First Prize) at College level for the project titled “Production of Bioplastics from Lignocellulosic Agricultural Residues through Fermentation and Polymerization: Case of sisal bole”. Fourth UDSM research and innovation week exhibitions held in April, 2018.

Publications

Publications (Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles)

Kitundu, M.P., Msuya, N.O., & Katima, Z. (2025). Production of potassium-rich biofertilizer from composted banana peels and watermelon rinds. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology, 44(1), 118–136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v44i1.1128
Msuya, N.O., & Temu, A.K. (2025). From waste to wealth: Sisal by-product opportunities in Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Science, 51(1), 182–195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v51i1.13
Nihamba, N., Msuya, N.O., & Temu, A.K. (2025). Efficient household energy mix model for Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Journal of Science, 51(1), 135–151. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v51i1.10
Ishengoma, S.S., Said, M.M. & Msuya, N.O. (2025). Rainwater harvesting for domestic use in suburb areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a case study of Wazo Hill. Tanzania Journal of Science, 51(3), Article 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.65085/2507‑7961.1056
Msuya, N.O., Vicent, Y.S. & Temu, A.K. (2025). Natural nutrient supplements and sisal bole yeast isolate: A synergistic approach to bioethanol production from sisal bole juice. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 6(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.37425/pkmpez41
Msuya, N.O. & Kando, J.K. (2025). Application of response surface methodology for the optimization of wet extraction of inulin from sisal boles. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 6(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.37425/nry3jy78
Kando, J.K. & Msuya, N.O. (2025). Production of furfural from sisal bole bagasse in a single‑stage simultaneous biomass fractionation. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 6(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.37425/17vrsg47
Msuya, N.O., Andrew, S.P., & Temu, A.K. (2024). Isolation and characterization of yeast from sisal boles for bioethanol production. Tanzania Journal of Science, 50(3), 628–638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v50i3.17
Mushi, N.E., Temu, G.G. & Msuya, N.O. (2024). Carboxylated Cellulose Nanofibrils Based on Banana Rachis as Additive in Oil-Based Emulsion Coolant for Effective Flank Wear Reduction in Lathe Operation. Tribology – Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces, 18(2), 93–103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17515831241241944