The government has urged higher learning institutions in Tanzania to strengthen research, innovation and the use of science and technology to address societal challenges and support sustainable development.
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni, made the call on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while closing the Third Five Universities Consortium Conference held at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha.
Mr Masauni said universities should go beyond being centres for generating knowledge and become stronger platforms for solving real-world problems by linking research, science, technology, policy, the private sector and community needs.
“A successful conference should not end with the final presentation or closing ceremony. I believe that during these three days, you raised new research questions, established new collaborations, developed new technologies and generated new policy and investment ideas that should ultimately produce visible and measurable results,” he said.
The minister said the conference theme, “From Dialogue to Positive Impact: Connecting Science, Technology, Policy and Climate Resilience for a Sustainable Future,” was timely and should encourage participants to turn discussions and ideas into concrete action.
He particularly challenged researchers, scientists and young innovators to ensure that knowledge and innovations generated in universities and research institutions reach communities and address practical challenges.
“Science cannot have a significant impact if its benefits remain within the walls of research institutions and universities,” Mr Masauni said.
He urged researchers to think beyond local challenges and consider how solutions developed in Tanzania could contribute to development across Africa and beyond.
“Start with the problems around you, understand them deeply, then ask yourselves how the knowledge and solutions you develop can contribute to the development of Africa and the entire world,” he said.
Mr Masauni also challenged participants to identify new research partnerships created through the conference, areas where institutions could work together to solve common challenges and innovations that could be moved from laboratories into communities.
He said the government recognised the importance of science, technology, research and innovation in achieving sustainable development and was working to create an enabling environment for research and innovation.
He added that efforts were also being made to strengthen cooperation between universities and research institutions, as well as partnerships with the private sector and the international community.
Mr Masauni said evidence generated through scientific research should be used more effectively in developing and improving public policies.
The Five Universities Consortium brings together the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, the University of Dar es Salaam, Aga Khan University, Sokoine University of Agriculture and Simon Fraser University of Canada.
The minister also stressed the importance of programmes connecting Tanzanian researchers with regional and international partners, saying such cooperation would help position local institutions as active contributors to global scientific knowledge.