By Alfred Zacharia
The Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has recorded major progress over the past four years under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.
The achievements have been seen in laboratory investigations, expert evidence delivery, chemical regulation, infrastructure development, digital systems, and stakeholder training.
The Government Chemist, Dr Fidelice Mafumiko, revealed the milestones on July 10, 2025, while addressing editors and journalists in Dar es Salaam.
“We are not just a laboratory institution; we are an enabler of justice, health, and national safety,” he said.
He said the authority has handled a growing number of scientific investigations in the criminal justice system, health sector, and environmental protection.
Between 2021 and 2025, the number of samples tested rose from 155,817 to 188,362 annually, representing a 21 percent increase.
By May 2025 alone, a total of 175,561 samples had been analyzed, accounting for 92 percent of the annual target.
“This is a direct result of improved public awareness, quality of service, and increased collaboration across sectors,” said Dr Mafumiko. “The trust placed in us by agencies like the Police Force, DCEA, NEMC, TRA, OSHA and hospitals is what keeps us focused.”
Laboratory findings have supported court decisions, confirmed paternity, helped identify disaster victims, and guided treatment for patients needing dialysis, organ transplants, or poison testing.
GCLA has also assisted doctors in determining sex-related medical conditions through genetic analysis.
“Science now speaks for the voiceless. It delivers truth in courtrooms, hospitals, and even disaster zones,” he added.
To support these services, the government has invested in modern lab equipment. In the past four years, the value of laboratory machines increased by 23.6 percent, rising from TZS13.6 billion to TSh17.8 billion. The equipment includes 16 large machines and 274 smaller units used to improve accuracy and speed in laboratory analysis.
“This investment shows the government’s seriousness in strengthening evidence-based governance. We are now equipped to meet both national and international demands,” Dr Mafumiko said.
GCLA has also gained international recognition through quality certifications. It holds ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 17025:2027 for laboratory competence.
These standards were achieved in six laboratories including human DNA, microbiology, forensic toxicology, environmental analysis, and food testing, ensuring the credibility of results both locally and globally.
“With these standards, our findings are not just trusted in Tanzania—they are respected globally,” he stated.
The authority has further strengthened the regulation of industrial and domestic chemicals through enforcement of the Chemical Management Act.
The number of registered chemical businesses increased by 81 percent from 2,125 in 2021 to 3,835 by June 2025. During this time, inspections were carried out in 8,521 chemical warehouses, surpassing the target of 7,160.
Chemical import and export permits rose from 40,270 in 2020/21 to 67,200 in 2024/25, an increase of 40 percent.
“We are creating a safe and predictable environment for businesses while protecting health and the environment,” he noted.
This reflects a friendly business climate and growing awareness among traders on legal compliance and the use of online systems developed by GCLA.
The authority has facilitated regional trade in key chemicals used in mining and processing. Imports of ammonium nitrate, used in blasting, grew by 241 percent, reaching 461,777 tonnes.
Sulphur imports rose by 370 percent to 1.87 million tonnes, while sodium cyanide for gold extraction increased by 52 percent to 63,103 tonnes.
“Most of these chemicals transit through our ports to countries like Zambia and DRC. It’s proof that Tanzania is becoming a trusted regional hub for regulated chemical trade,” Dr Mafumiko said.
He added that infrastructure upgrades at Tanga and Dar es Salaam ports have played a big role in this.
GCLA’s infrastructure has also expanded. A modern headquarters worth TSh8.14 billion has been completed in Dodoma, housing five specialized labs.
Additional buildings for southern and eastern zones are under construction in Mtwara and Dar es Salaam, expected to cost TZS 26 billion.
“We are decentralising science—bringing high-level services closer to people in all regions,” he noted.
The authority has also completed residential houses at five border posts, Rusumo, Kabanga, Mutukula, Holili, and Namanga, at a cost of TZS 1.13 billion to support its staff operating in 24-hour environments.
In the area of digital services, GCLA has built and installed several systems to improve efficiency.
These include an online permit portal that reduces processing time from seven days to one hour, a video system for giving expert evidence remotely, and a witness management system that helps prosecutors and judges track forensic testimony.
“Our digital systems are not just faster. They are reducing government costs, promoting transparency, and ensuring data security,” said Dr Mafumiko.
Its IT systems are integrated with national platforms such as the Government e-Payment Gateway, Tanzania Revenue Authority’s cargo clearance system, and the Government Information Exchange Platform.
GCLA has also invested in capacity building. Between 2021 and March 2025, it trained 1,201 stakeholders in the criminal justice chain including police officers, prosecutors, and medical staff.
In the same period, 12,689 people in the chemical industry were trained, including 6,358 drivers and 5,036 warehouse supervisors.
Other trainees included individuals with hearing disabilities and leaders of chemical transport unions.
“These numbers are about people. Trained people make fewer errors and respond better during crises,” he said.
The authority has also supported national development by contributing TZS 3.99 billion to the government through collected revenue.
For four consecutive years, it has received clean audit reports from the Controller and Auditor General, showing proper financial management.
Despite these achievements, GCLA faces challenges such as the fast pace of scientific and technological changes and limited public knowledge on regulatory compliance.
“Science keeps changing. We must be ahead of the curve with equipment, skills, and smart systems,” said Dr Mafumiko.
Looking ahead, the authority plans to invest in more advanced equipment, complete regional laboratories, and expand public education.
It will also improve data security, enhance government system integration, and reduce human errors through smarter use of technology.
“We are building a smart GCLA, a digital, responsive, and resilient institution that delivers results for Tanzania and beyond,” he concluded.
Under President Samia’s leadership, GCLA has proven to be a key player in scientific justice, public health protection, and industrial safety, setting a strong example of how science and governance can work together for national progress.