Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement for the construction of a state-of-the-art kidney transplant and training center, poised to become the largest in the Sahara Desert region.
The new facility, to be built at Benjamin Mkapa Zonal Hospital in Dodoma, is a collaborative effort between Japan's Tokushukai Medical Group, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and the University of Dodoma (UDOM).
The project is valued at over TZS 28 billion and is funded through a non-conditional grant from the Japanese partners.
The agreement was signed on Monday, May 26, 2025, during the Tanzania–Japan Business, Investment, and Tourism Forum held at the Westin Hotel in Osaka, Japan.
The forum is part of Tanzania's official participation in the World Expo Osaka 2025, and was opened by Prime Minister Majaliwa.
Speaking after the signing, Professor Abel Makubi, Executive Director of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Tokushukai, whose Japanese doctors have played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare services in Tanzania.
“Tokushukai has been a long-standing partner. They were instrumental in establishing dialysis services at our hospital. This new MoU marks a significant step forward in creating a center of excellence in kidney transplantation for Tanzania and the broader Sahara region,” said Prof. Makubi.
The center is expected to be completed within three years and will not only provide advanced kidney transplant services but also serve as a training ground for medical professionals across Africa.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the Tanzanian government committed to supporting key aspects to ensure timely delivery.
“We thank the Government of Japan and our development partners for this critical support,” added Prof. Makubi.
“Special thanks to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for fostering an enabling environment that has made this international collaboration possible. This center will enhance access to life-saving kidney care, not only for Tanzanians but for many others across Africa.”he added
The facility will also focus on training specialists in kidney transplant procedures, as well as conducting research on kidney disease prevention and treatment. Training programs will be implemented jointly by Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and UDOM.
Professor Lugano Kusiluka, Vice Chancellor of UDOM, said the partnership will significantly strengthen kidney transplant capabilities in Tanzania.
He also announced UDOM’s ongoing efforts to introduce a biomedical engineering program to reduce dependency on foreign technicians for medical equipment maintenance.
“Beyond clinical training, this partnership will empower our students and health professionals to manufacture and maintain vital medical equipment locally,” Prof. Kusiluka said.
He noted that the new facility is set to become a regional training hub, helping develop transplant specialists not only in Tanzania but also from other African nations, eventually expanding to other types of organ transplants.
Additionally, another MoU was signed between UDOM, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and Japan’s AFRECO (Africa Economic and Development Association).
This was one of six strategic agreements signed between the United Republic of Tanzania, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, and various Japanese organizations.
