Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology
(COSTECH)

The Director General of COSTECH, Dr. Amos Nungu, emphasized that the implementation team of the COSTECH HEET project must work efficiently and on time to avoid hindering the government's goal in executing the project. He made these remarks during the signing of the Design and Construction Management contract for the COSTECH Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI Complex) building, which is expected to be constructed in Dodoma City through the HEET project.

The contract was signed at the COSTECH offices on August 8, 2024, between COSTECH and the MEKON ARCH Consult company.

Dr. Nungu stated that through this project, COSTECH, as part of the initiative, has learned and continues to learn more while working as a team to achieve the government's objectives through the HEET Project.


On his part, the CEO of MEKON, Dr. Moses Mkonyi, commended COSTECH for the progress made and stated that his company, through the HEET project, is prepared to carry out the design and construction management effectively

COSTECH conducted a one-day training for all its employees, aimed at improving the management of internal and external complaints as part of the implementation of the project. The training took place in August 2024, in Dar es Salaam.

The goal of the training was to enhance communication and coordination in handling complaints, increase the project's efficiency, and promote good governance through the use of the Government's electronic feedback system (E-mrejesho).

Dr. Aloyce M. Andrew, Assistant Coordinator of the HEET Project, explained that the project aims to strengthen system improvements in higher Education institutions to enhance productivity and knowledge output from graduates. This aligns with the government's objective to drive economic transformation through Education, thereby creating employment opportunities and contributing to the national economy.

On her part, the training facilitator, Ms. Nichiza Malaki, urged participants to adhere to the standards and ethics of COSTECH by submitting internal complaints through the designated email, costech@malalamiko.co.tz. She also emphasized the implementation of the government's directive to use the E-mrejesho system, enabling institutions to align with advancements in science, technology, and innovation.

he National Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has begun the initial steps for the construction of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI Complex) building in Dodoma, which will expand its capacity to serve STI stakeholders in the country.

This was stated by Dr. Aloyce Andrew, Assistant Coordinator of the COSTECH "HEET" project, during the handover of the construction site to the company 'MEKON Arch Consult,' marking the start of the preliminary design phases.

The handover took place on August 9, 2024, following the signing of the Construction Management and Design contract on August 8, 2024, in Dar es Salaam.

MEKON has pledged to quickly initiate the preliminary stages of the topographic and geotechnical survey.

COSTECH is building the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI Complex) in Dodoma through the HEET project.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), Prof. Carolyne Nombo, has stated that the Government, through Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, has invested a total of TZS 1.1 trillion in education infrastructure, modern teaching equipment, strengthening partnerships between universities and industrial sector, as well as issues related to science, technology, and innovation.

She made these remarks during the launch of four national frameworks on science, technology, and innovation, as well as the launch of an additional service for teacher training colleges via video call, through the HEET project. The event took place on October 4, 2024, at the COSTECH offices in Dar es Salaam.

Prof. Nombo explained that these guidelines are part of the HEET project’s outcomes, and it is believed that after the launch, they will help establish systems of operation and enhance the coordination and management of all matters related to science, technology, and innovation.

"Research and innovation are key tools in contributing to economic and social development. All developed countries worldwide have succeeded due to strong coordination and investment in science, technology, and innovation," said Prof. Nombo.

Furthermore, our Government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued to invest heavily in strengthening the development and contribution of science, technology, and innovation to foster industrial growth and improve the lives of Tanzanians. Through collaborations between higher education institutions and the industrial sector, the Government aims to ensure productive research and innovation outcomes. The four frameworks officially launched are a significant step in strengthening the systems of science, technology, and innovation management in the country, said Prof. Nombo.

"These frameworks are very important tools for policymakers, higher education institutions, industries, and the Tanzanian community as a whole. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has set major goals to improve education and enhance science and technology to drive the development of our nation," Prof. Nombo added.

On his part, the Director-General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Dr. Amos Nungu, stated that COSTECH is implementing the HEET project through six areas. These areas focus on building science, technology, and innovation infrastructure, nurturing and developing the capacity of researchers and innovators, fostering relationships between the private sector and research and development institutions, improving modern ICT infrastructure, as well as promoting sustainable capacity and managing research and innovation in the country.

"We are working with various stakeholders such as universities, research development sectors, and the private sector in preparing these guidelines. They are also crucial tools for researchers, innovators, and public institutions, aiming to enhance the quality of research, innovation, and sustainable development," said Dr. Nungu. -

Dr. Nungu concluded by saying that these guidelines aim to strengthen coordination within Tanzania’s research, innovation, and technology sectors. Each guideline is designed to provide clear direction for the respective sectors within the innovation and research ecosystem, ensuring that the nation achieves its social and economic goals.

In a move towards massive technological advancement, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology under HEET project is currently working on developing one useful National Information System for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISSTI), it has been learnt.

This was informed during the internal stakeholders forum to collect variables for the system, famously known as systems required specifications that would be used to for the NISSTI formulation and functioning, which was held form 23rd to 24th September 2024.

Speaking when officiating this forum, the Director General of COSTECH, Dr. Amos Nungu highlighted the importance of having a centralized National Information System for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NISSTI) that would facilitate effective coordination and working.

“This system will help streamline research and innovation activities in the country as well as support accordingly collaboration, and improve access to relevant data”, said Dr Nungu.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Knowledge Management at COSTECH, Mr. Daudi Mboma said the NISSTI will support research and innovation processes by increasing their number, facilitate the collection and sharing of data across institutions, and enhance communication and collaboration among researchers and innovators in Tanzania.

"Through HEET, this system is expected to be one of the stock centres of science technology and innovation information. It will help in research and development, higher learning institutions (HLIs), innovation and technology transfer, research fund and grant management, as well as knowledge storage and dissemination and publication, and science technology and innovation dashboard”, said Mr. Mboma.

Dr. Bunini Wilbert Manyilizu, the facilitator of this internal stakeholder’s forum on NISST described the relevant variables for NISSTI and the data sharing process and its importance as well as how the system could ensure secure and efficient access to research data.

He also explained about collaboration between research institutions, universities, and private innovators, and potential challenges such as data security and the immense opportunities NISSTI presents for national development.

“NISSTI represents a transformative step forward for Tanzania's research and innovation landscape by centralizing data, fostering collaboration, and supporting national development goals", said Dr. Manyilizu.

He added that through HEET project “this system will play a fundamental role in advancing science, technology, and innovation in our country. However, its success relies not only on the technology itself but also on the active participation and commitment of every researcher, innovator, and institution represented here today”.

He encouraged members of staff to embrace NISSTI and explore the vast potential it offers to streamline our efforts, share knowledge, and create impactful innovations. “Together, we can ensure that NISSTI becomes a cornerstone of our scientific and technological advancement. This is a thriving platform for the future of Tanzania's research and innovation community”