A brief history of Tanzanian science in 2023
Discover the year's top stories in research and development (R&D).
I originally wrote this piece as an introduction to my upcoming review of Tanzania's top scientists (2nd edition). But hey, here we are.
You're about to wade in the less-celebrated world of Tanzanian research and development (R&D). No founders and startups today. Only researchers and their supporters!
Karibu.
1. STICE Takes Place
COSTECH (Tanzania's Commission for Science and Technology) organized the 8th Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference and Exhibitions (STICE) from June 14th to 16th, 2023.
Over the last five years, the Tanzanian government has awarded TZS 5 billion to innovators through COSTECH.
The conference connected key players in Silicon Bongo, including researchers, innovators, policymakers, and development partners.
Dr. Brian Tarimo of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), engaged in a plenary session on the role of biotechnology in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). He explained biotech's contribution to healthcare, agriculture, and industry. Dr. Tarimo also emphasized the application of gene-drive technology in malaria treatment.
At a separate side event, other Ifakara scientists expressed their desire for public funding in biotech research. In addition, the Ifakara Innovation Hub (IIH) displayed products such as the Mama check tool for rapid diagnosis of gestational hypertension.
STICE 2023 took place under the theme: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
2. Govt Introduces Award for Researchers in Top Journals
In June, the government offered scientists a TZS50 million cash prize (around US$22,000) to publish their work in top international journals. Called the Research Excellence Award, it aimed to boost global recognition of Tanzanian scientists and improve university rankings.
Eligibility required publishing in the top 10% of journals in certain fields. While some praised it as a needed incentive, others questioned its effectiveness and focus on national research areas, potentially hindering publication in high-impact journals.
3. Nine Researchers Receive $515,000
The Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) allocated Sh1.29 billion to fund nine research projects in the fields of health, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and procurement. Prof. Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), made the announcement following the completion of a three-day researcher training in Dar es Salaam in September.
Neema Lymo, a researcher from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), received an award for her work on the early detection of agricultural diseases as well as the integration of farmers, livestock keepers, and market players. Other recognised researchers include Dr. Innocent Mwambeki, Head of the Research and Training Unit at the Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital.
Professor Nombo reaffirmed the government's belief that research and innovation contribute to solving various challenges in health, the economy, and society. She further added that over the past five years (2019–2022), the government has financed a total of 49 research projects involving more than 235 researchers in the country. In addition, it has deployed Sh9.04 billion to 11 higher education and research institutions. That has enabled the rehabilitation and acquisition of research laboratory equipment.
Dr. Amos Nungu, Director-General at COSTECH, mentioned they recently received proposals for 92 research projects. And after review by an expert panel, nine research projects were approved. "We held a three-day training with researchers to develop work plans for their projects to ensure their practicality," Dr. Nungu said. Higher education institutions must also propose new projects for food security and focus on supporting female researchers in the country.
4. UK, COSTECH support 4 research projects with $250,000 grant
In December, COSTECH also awarded $250,000 in grants to four research projects. Thanks to support from the United Kingdom (UK) government.
The funding is part of COSTECH's mission to foster a knowledge-based economy in Tanzania, which faces challenges in commercialization due to limited intellectual and financial resources.
Four academic and research institutions received the grants. These are the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Zanzibar Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI).
Each institution will receive Sh120 million (about $48,000) to support their selected investigations. UDOM’s project is a study on solar energy to improve water quality in rural areas, which is crucial as contaminated water sources are the primary cause of many preventable diseases. SUA’s project focuses on developing new varieties of pigeon peas to combat malnutrition and empower smallholder farmers.
On the other hand, ZARI’s project investigates Zanzibar's decline in clove production. And TAFIRI’s project aims to develop new methods for preserving fish.
This update originally appeared in my Silicon Bongo column in The Citizen newspaper.
5. BMGF Funds TZ AI Projects
Aside from public funding, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) offered $300,000 to four Tanzanian artificial intelligence (AI) researchers in August. The grantees worked on three three-month projects and presented their findings in Dakar from October 8-11 at the Grand Challenges Annual Meeting 2023.
Brenda Hendry trained GPT-4 with malaria health information, using local contexts and behaviors. She then integrated the outputs into community radio and broadcast inclusive health messages across Tanzania to combat malaria.
Essa Mohamedali and Kalebu Gwalugano developed a large language model (LLM) for local healthcare workers. The LLM provides guidelines, access to research, and alternative treatment options via mobile devices. It also provides culturally sensitive information to patients. Essa manages the Tanzania AI Lab and Community, while Kalebu serves as the CEO of Neurotech Africa, a conversational intelligence startup.
Theofrida Maginga, an assistant lecturer at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, developed a Swahili chatbot for Tanzanian smallholders to detect crop diseases. Her tool integrates ChatGPT-4 with the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve maize production and farmer income.
6. Experts Discussed the Potential of Precision Medicine in Tanzania
The National Human Genetics Stakeholders Meeting (NHGSM) 2023 took place at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) New Library from November 15th to 17th.
NHGSM II aimed to set a ten-year agenda for human genetics research in Tanzania.
Key speakers included Dr. Jerry Ndumbalo, President of the Tanzania Oncology Society, who discussed the genetic causes of hereditary cancer syndromes. And Kenneth Mbwanji, Director of Inqaba Biotec, discussed the challenge of building human capacity for human genetics.
Dr. Xavier David introduced innovative genomic solutions by Illumina, while Dr. Samson Kilaza discussed the impact of microbiomes on disease management. Vincent Rwembuhiza, PhD., Founder and CEO of Yebi Health, chaired a roundtable on the supply chain of biologicals and genetic products.
Dr. Ahlam Nasser of MUHAS highlighted the potential role of Molecular Diagnostics in cancer treatment and the importance of personalized medicine. In addition, Dr. Mohamed Zahir presented The Tanzania Human Genome Variation (THGV) research project. THGV aims to map genetic variations among Tanzania's population to promote precision medicine utilization.
7. JKCI Goes Beyond Open Heart Surgery
A surgical team at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has achieved a breakthrough! They performed East Africa's second transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). After the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital in Nairobi.
This minimally invasive procedure offers new hope for patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart's lower left chamber narrows and restricts blood flow.
Dr. Khuzeima Khanbai, an interventional cardiologist at the Institute, shared the exciting news on December 13, praising everyone involved: "Big up to the executive director Dr. Peter Kisenge and the whole team of doctors, nurses, anesthetists, cardiothoracic surgeons, technicians, and support staff for this milestone!"
TAVR is more beneficial compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Particularly, it reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time. In addition, it is suitable for older patients.
8. Tanzania Wins Satellite Orbit
The government has won a spot in the geostationary orbit for the use of satellites. This achievement is one of the results of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC23).
The orbit is 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's equator. It is the circle of choice for satellites that provide telecommunications services, such as television, radio, and internet.
Tanzania's slot is located at 16 degrees west longitude of the geostationary orbit. The slot is currently used by a satellite operated by the African Union, but it will be available for Tanzania's use in 2024.
9. Govt Hosts Scientific Conference to Improve Healthcare and Nutrition Services
The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the President's Office, along with partners, organized a conference on health and nutrition.
Specifically, MoH and TAMISEMI tapped on the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) and Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).
Why? To realize the 2nd Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Scientific Conference.
Former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete and IHI Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja, were among the prominent public health figures who graced the event.
Hon. Kikwete chaired a breakout session on securing resources to enhance healthcare services for Tanzanian mothers and children. He brought development partners and the private sector to the table to address the matter.
Two other notable sessions took place, each showcasing presentations from Ifakara scientists. Jitihada Baraka, a health system researcher, shared insights gained from the COVID-19 pandemic on how to prepare for future outbreaks in the care of small and sick newborns in Tanzania.
Alice Tharus, on the other hand, presented a tool she developed to plan and estimate costs for neonatal furniture and equipment.
On a related note, the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Symposium was held on December 16th in Dodoma City.
Additional Developments You Need to Know
MedicoPRESS launched its Medical Journalism Program. The first cohort consists of yours truly and Carolyn Mwasha.
Capital city Dodoma hosted the National Pharmacy Week from October 15–to 21. And the 14th Tanzania Pharmaceutical Students Association (TPSA) Conference. Minister for Health Ummy Mwalimu graced both events.
The government unveiled a Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tanzania’s Healthcare Sector.
MUHAS Organized its 3rd Digital Health and Innovation (DHI) Week from November 13-17.
On November 21, COSTECH revealed it will award TZS 450 million to five Tanzanian investigators. Research and commercialization experts will select the winners in a competitive contest.
Neema Mduma, a computer scientist at the NM-AIST, received a $63,000 Grow Further grant to utilize smartphones in early crop disease detection.
NovFeed, a Tanzanian biotech startup, received a $1 million grant from the Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation.
The Dodoma-based AI4D Research Lab organized the First International Conference on the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence in African Context (AAIAC).
Conclusion
That concludes our overview of the research landscape in Tanzania. Stay tuned to find out who the year's top scientists are.
Kazi Iendelee.