The government has renewed its call for greater participation of women, youth and people with special needs in research, science, technology and innovation (STI), underscoring the importance of inclusivity in driving Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the opening of a stakeholders’ capacity-building workshop on the implementation of the National Framework for Gender Equality and Equity in Science, Technology and Innovation on June 12, 2026, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Carolyne Nombo, said Tanzania had made encouraging progress in expanding access to opportunities within the sector.
She revealed that women currently account for about 36 percent of researchers in the country, while female students represented more than 45 percent of new enrolments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes at higher learning institutions during the 2023/24 financial year.
The figures, she noted, demonstrate the growing presence of women in fields that have traditionally been dominated by men and highlight the impact of ongoing efforts to bridge gender gaps in science and innovation.
Prof. Nombo also pointed to the increasing role of young people in shaping the country’s innovation landscape, saying that nearly 40 percent of projects approved by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) over the past three years were led by individuals under the age of 35.
She urged research and innovation institutions to fully integrate the gender equality framework into their policies, strategic plans and budget processes to ensure that the benefits of scientific research and technological advancement reach all segments of society.
“The outcomes of research and innovation must serve the needs of all citizens and contribute meaningfully to sustainable national development,” she said.
Prof. Nombo further noted that Tanzania has continued to earn international recognition for its commitment to advancing gender equality under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“Our country has become a model in promoting gender equality, and President Samia has been widely recognised as a champion of this agenda. As stakeholders in science, technology and innovation, we have a responsibility to support this vision and ensure it is reflected in all development initiatives,” she said.
Director of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Ladislaus Mnyone, said inclusive participation was critical to unlocking the full potential of the country’s human capital and accelerating the achievement of the National Development Vision 2050.
He argued that meaningful involvement of all groups in society would strengthen innovation outcomes and help Tanzania achieve its long-term development aspirations more quickly.
Acting Director General of COSTECH, Dr. Katare Bugwesa, said the framework seeks to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes, support their professional growth and mainstream gender considerations across research and innovation activities.
According to Dr. Bugwesa, the framework provides a roadmap for building a more inclusive and equitable science, technology and innovation ecosystem, where women, youth and other underrepresented groups can contribute fully to national progress.
The workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, innovation stakeholders and development partners to discuss strategies for translating the framework into practical actions that promote equality, diversity and inclusion across Tanzania’s science and innovation sector.
