103bn/- govt investment turns innovation into economic value

DODOMA: FROM agricultural technologies to digital education and biological crop protection, four decades of government investment in research and innovation have helped Tanzanians develop local solutions, build businesses and create jobs.

Through Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), the government continues to support researchers, scientists and young entrepreneurs in turning ideas into practical solutions that address everyday challenges and drive economic growth.

Over the past 40 years, the government has invested a cumulative 103.63bn/- in research and innovation through COSTECH, reflecting a strategic commitment to building national research capacity, encouraging technological development and empowering Tanzanians to generate solutions to challenges across different sectors.

COSTECH Research Officer Ntufye Mwakigonja said that 70.61bn/- came from the government’s main budget, while 33.02bn/- was mobilised through development funding for stakeholders.

Of the total, 94.135bn/- funded research activities and 9.5bn/- supported innovation.

He says beyond academic studies and exhibitions, the investment strengthens Tanzania’s productive capacity, skills, entrepreneurship and potential to create new industries and jobs, especially for young people.

Research investment with an economic purpose

As Tanzania advances industrialisation, agricultural transformation and digital growth, home-grown technologies are vital.

Mr Mwakigonja said government through COSTECH support connects researchers, innovators, universities and industry to develop local solutions, boost productivity and strengthen competitiveness.

This investment empowers young Tanzanians to become technology creators and entrepreneurs, turning innovations into marketable products and businesses.

The government’s policy direction is increasingly focused on ensuring that investment in research produces tangible benefits for the economy and society.

At the COSTECH building foundation-stone ceremony in Dodoma recently, Education, Science and Technology Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda urged the commission to turn research and innovation into marketable products and services.

He said Science, Technology and Innovation investment should be measured by practical solutions, increased productivity and economic growth not research projects or exhibition displays.

He also called for stronger collaboration among COSTECH, universities, research institutions, government and the private sector to accelerate commercialisation.

Citing research by Professor Ndakidemi on fertiliser use and irrigation, Prof Mkenda underscored the need to ensure that research findings reach farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

The goal is to turn research into practical solutions that improve farm decisions, productivity and economic growth, in line with Vision 2050’s focus on innovation, competitiveness and a knowledge-based economy.

COSTECH Director General, Dr Amos Nungu, said government investment in research must translate into marketable products, sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.

“This initiative is not just a financial mechanism, it is a catalyst for turning academic research into real-world solutions. The question now is whether our innovation ecosystem has the capacity to take innovation to the market and produce results with the speed required,” Dr Nungu said.

The impact of government investment is increasingly reflected in Tanzanian innovations that are moving beyond ideas to develop practical products and services.

Among the initiatives associated with COSTECH’s innovation ecosystem are Shule Yetu, MazaoHub, Smart Darasa, iPhytos, Guavay and its Hakika fertiliser brand, as well as Plant Biodefenders, founded by Dr Never Mwambela.

These initiatives illustrate the diversity of Tanzania’s innovation landscape and the potential of locally developed technologies to improve services, strengthen businesses and generate employment.

Guavay and Hakika: Turning agricultural resources into fertiliser

Established in 2014, Guavay Company Limited produces organic and mineral-organic fertilisers under its Hakika brand, using local resources such as organic waste, limestone and rock phosphate. Its products serve crops including avocados, rice and onions.

COSTECH’s 2021 innovation tracer report recognised Hakika as a beneficiary of entrepreneurship training, networking and business development support. The company also creates opportunities in local fertiliser production, packaging and distribution.

Plant Biodefenders: Developing biological crop protection

Dr Never Mwambela, founder of Plant Biodefenders Limited, said the company develops biopesticides and biofertilisers for sustainable farming.

Its VURUGA brand offers crop-protection solutions, including six registered products launched in February 2025 for avocado, cotton, coffee, tobacco, cashew and maize, approved by the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority.

These innovations provide farmers with alternatives while creating opportunities in research, production and agricultural services.

Through incubation, networks and programmes such as FUNGUO, COSTECH supports innovators like Plant Biodefenders to turn research into viable businesses.

MazaoHub: Using agricultural data to empower farmers

Agriculture remains central to Tanzania’s economy, making innovations that improve farming productivity essential.

MazaoHub founder Geophrey Tenganamba said the technology enterprise helps smallholder farmers access reliable soil information, fertiliser guidance and agricultural market services through digital solutions.

MazaoHub combines soil testing, farm management and advisory services to improve farming decisions. Supported by COSTECH’s incubation programme since December 2021, the company has grown from two founders to ten employees, creating jobs and strengthening its technical capacity.

A 2026 European Union fact sheet reports that MazaoHub has reached over 83,000 farmers and conducted nearly 397,000 soil tests.

Shule Yetu and Smart Darasa: Using technology to transform education

Shule Yetu Innovations Limited uses digital technology to improve school administration and communication between schools and parents. Its SMS platform provides updates on students’ academic results, attendance, timetables and fee payments. The enterprise serves 230 private schools across nine regions, creating opportunities in ICT and digital services.

Similarly, Smart Darasa uses interactive digital content, animations, simulations and virtual laboratories to make science education more practical and accessible, particularly in schools with limited laboratory facilities.

With support from government through COSTECH, including initial financial assistance and the MAKISATU programme, Smart Darasa developed its capacity and expanded its educational content. Incubation support from Dar Teknohama Business Incubator also strengthened its business operations.

The platform has since evolved into Ekima (Elimu Kidigitali Mahali Popote), incorporating artificial intelligence and immersive learning technologies. Both innovations demonstrate how locally developed technology can improve education while creating opportunities for young professionals in software development, digital content production and ICT services.

Buni Hub, under COSTECH, empowers young innovators through mentorship, networking and skills development.

It has reached over 10,000 young people and supported more than 20 innovation spaces, helping turn ideas into startups, businesses and jobs.

Turning public investment into measurable economic returns

These enterprises demonstrate how government investment in research and innovation can generate economic and social benefits beyond scientific discoveries.

The priority now is strengthening commercialisation through financing, certification, intellectual property protection, manufacturing and market access, while connecting research institutions with industry and the private sector.

The 103.63bn/- investment provides a foundation for Vision 2050, with success measured by marketable innovations, stronger local industries, competitive businesses, improved productivity and decent jobs.

Ultimately, the impact should be reflected in stronger local industries, improved productivity, competitive enterprises and sustainable employment.

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