Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) continues to strengthen its collaboration with Nordic countries across various fields, including academic exchanges involving lecturers and students.
The university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, shared these insights following a visit by the ambassadors of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
The diplomats met with university officials to discuss their long-standing partnership and explore opportunities to further enhance cooperation.
Prof. Chibunda highlighted the enduring relationship between the governments and peoples of the Nordic countries and Tanzania.
He specifically noted Norway’s pioneering role in promoting forestry degree programs at SUA and its ongoing support in multiple sectors.
Denmark also played a key role, notably in the construction of the university’s veterinary treatment ward.
“We are deeply grateful for their support, which helped us grow from fewer than 2,000 students to over 18,000 today, and enabled us to stand independently with our own faculty and resources,” Prof. Chibunda remarked.
He added that the Nordic representatives visited to assess the university’s progress and expressed their commitment to strengthening ties, particularly through expanded exchanges of experienced lecturers and senior professionals. This will enhance student learning and research opportunities.
Prof. Chibunda also noted that Norway’s development agency, NORAD, plans to announce new research funding opportunities.
SUA researchers will be encouraged to seize these opportunities, and with their expertise, the university expects to secure significant research projects.
Denmark’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard, expressed enthusiasm about the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of Nordic countries to deepen collaboration with SUA and Tanzanian institutions.
“This partnership between the Nordic countries and Tanzania has spanned many years, and we are delighted with the progress made,” Ambassador Kammersgaard said.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow ambassadors during a visit to the Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO), Ambassador Kammersgaard praised Tanzania’s achievements in the livestock sector and its efforts to empower youth through entrepreneurship.
He further emphasized the intention to broaden cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, research, agriculture, and community development alongside forestry initiatives.
Revocatus Kimario, Director of SUGECO, detailed ongoing collaborative projects with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
One key strategy involves sending Tanzanian youth abroad for training, with over 850 participants in the past two years, including 535 in 2023 alone.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish a center of excellence for pig breeding production in Morogoro, developed in partnership with Danish companies.
During their visit in Morogoro, the ambassadors also toured a tree seed production center operated by the Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS), where they participated in tree planting activities.
