The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Sweden recently held high-level discussions with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, education, and capacity development.
The Tanzanian delegation, led by Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi, appointed in June 2025, and Counselor Abel Maganya, was welcomed by SLU Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel, Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Relations Ylva Hillbur, and Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global.
The meeting followed a request from the Embassy to learn more about the university’s work and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The discussions highlighted the long-standing partnership between SLU and Tanzanian universities, research institutes, and organisations.
Over the years, the collaboration has included joint research projects, doctoral training, institutional capacity building, and knowledge exchange in areas such as sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and food security.
Vice-Chancellor Knutson Wedel said the cooperation has been extensive and mutually beneficial, contributing to both scientific development and practical solutions for agricultural systems in East Africa.
She also expressed appreciation for the strong relationships built with Tanzanian partners over time.
The dialogue focused on the role of science and innovation in development, noting Tanzania’s national strategy to modernise and commercialise agriculture.
Key topics included digitalisation, plant breeding, water resource management, and strengthening resilience to climate change and other challenges.
Both sides stressed the importance of sustaining strong academic partnerships, especially in times of change.
The visit ended with a shared commitment to deepen institutional ties and facilitate further exchanges, supporting ongoing and future projects aimed at advancing agricultural research, innovation, and resilient food systems.
SLU maintains active partnerships with several Tanzanian institutions, including the University of Dar es Salaam, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and other funders.
Current projects focus on enhancing research capacity in sustainable agricultural production, value addition for food security, rural agribusiness development, and interdisciplinary areas such as molecular biosciences and marine sciences.
