By Alfred Zacharia
Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy has introduced a new strategy aimed at advancing student innovations and transforming them into viable market solutions.
According to the College’s Rector, Professor Haruni Mapesa, the strategy is designed to improve ideas generated by students and establish a financial framework to support their development.
He shared this during the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), commonly known as Sabasaba.
“We currently have more than 30 student innovations, mostly in the ICT field,” Prof. Mapesa said. “This strategy helps guide how we can nurture these ideas while connecting students with institutions responsible for intellectual property rights registration to prepare them for commercialization.”
He emphasized that the strategy provides a practical roadmap for guiding student innovations and linking them with businesses and potential investors.
“We welcome business owners to partner with us. Our students have excellent ideas that, with the right support, can spark major transformations in our country,” he said.
Prof. Mapesa noted that the college is committed to mentoring innovators, not only to refine their concepts but also to help them connect with stakeholders who can support their growth and generate income from their work.
“We believe that through this strategy, students will gain the skills and opportunities to be self-employed and also create jobs for others,” he added. “As experts, we encourage them not to give up, because innovation takes time and persistence.”
One such innovation is by Glory Emmanuel, a student who has created a machine that dries meat and fish using air and heat, allowing for longer preservation.
Currently pursuing a diploma in ICT, Glory said the machine was designed to help meat and fish vendors, especially those in rural areas, extend the shelf life of their products and increase their market value.
“This machine removes all moisture from meat and fish, enabling them to last longer. It uses electricity, which is now accessible even in many villages,” she said.
She explained that the machine provides a safer, more sustainable alternative to the traditional method of drying using firewood or charcoal, which contributes to deforestation.
“It takes 15 minutes to preheat and 45 minutes to dry the meat or fish. It can operate from anywhere within the preset range,” Glory explained.
She added that when using the air-drying option, the machine uses a fan system that circulates air and helps remove moisture from the products.
With the college’s support strategy, student innovators like Glory are poised to bring solutions that not only create income but also address environmental and economic challenges in Tanzania.