The government has said the newly launched Grand Challenges Tanzania programme will play a key role in accelerating innovative solutions to national development challenges, with success measured by how much it improves the lives of ordinary citizens.
The programme was officially launched in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, on behalf of the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda.
Speaking during the launch, she said the initiative is a major step in strengthening the use of science, technology, research, and innovation as practical tools for solving everyday challenges facing communities across the country.
She said the programme will support local researchers and innovators to develop home-grown solutions, while also strengthening collaboration between government institutions, universities, the private sector, and development partners.
“This programme is about ensuring that research does not remain in reports and shelves, but becomes real solutions that improve the lives of citizens,” she said.
She added that Tanzania’s participation in the global Grand Challenges network is a strong sign of trust in the country’s scientific community and its ability to contribute meaningful solutions to development challenges.
The government, she said, will continue improving the environment for researchers and innovators, especially in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and clean energy, which directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
In Zanzibar, the Permanent Secretary in the Second Vice President’s Office, Dr Islam Seif Salum, said the programme provides an important opportunity to direct knowledge and innovation towards solving real development challenges that require stronger investment in research and technology.
He said Zanzibar continues to contribute significantly in areas such as coastal and marine environment protection, renewable energy, and public health, all of which have direct impact on citizens’ wellbeing.
Dr Salum emphasized the importance of strong cooperation between the governments of the Union, research institutions, universities, the private sector, and development partners, noting that national development depends on shared effort and practical use of knowledge.
He said the success of Tanzania’s development agenda will depend on how well both sides of the Union work together to turn ideas and research into practical solutions for citizens.
The Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Dr Amos Nungu, said that through the National Fund for the Advancement of Science and Technology (NFAST), the government has mobilised more than Sh129 billion to support research, innovation, and scientific infrastructure, including a government contribution of over Sh85 billion.
He said the investment has helped improve laboratories, strengthen researchers’ skills, expand innovation centres, and support young scientists through training and funding opportunities.
Dr Nungu said the next step is to ensure that research results are translated into practical solutions, policies, and services that directly benefit citizens and support economic growth.
He added that bridging the gap between research and real-life application remains a key priority as Tanzania moves towards a more innovation-driven economy.
The Grand Challenges Tanzania programme is expected to create more opportunities for innovators and researchers to develop solutions that respond to everyday challenges and improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.
