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How Tanzania's stem drive can gain fresh momentum

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 9:22 GMT by The Citizen
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Tanzania’s STEM Engine Needs a New Spark: How the Nation Can Re‑ignite Its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Momentum

In a recent feature for The Citizen, authors dissect the current state of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) development in Tanzania, charting the strides the country has taken in the past decade and outlining a clear roadmap to accelerate progress. The piece—titled “How Tanzania’s STEM drive can gain fresh momentum”—draws on a mix of government policy documents, expert interviews, and data from national research bodies, providing a comprehensive snapshot of Tanzania’s ambitions and the gaps that still hinder their realization.

The Vision Behind Tanzania’s STEM Strategy

Tanzania’s journey into STEM began in earnest in 2019 when the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) unveiled its “STEM for Development” policy, an ambitious blueprint designed to align science and technology with the nation’s long‑term socio‑economic goals. The policy foregrounds three key pillars:

1. Curriculum Reform – integrating hands‑on, project‑based learning across primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
2. Infrastructure Development – building research centers and digital learning hubs in rural and urban areas alike.
3. Talent Pipeline & Retention – providing scholarships, mentoring, and career pathways for young scientists and engineers.

The government’s commitment is underlined by the 2025 Vision 2030 strategy, which earmarks 1.5 % of national GDP for research and development, a stark increase from the historic 0.5 %. However, the article argues, the mere allocation of funds is not enough; there must be a concerted effort to translate budgets into tangible outcomes.

What’s Been Done – Highlights & Shortfalls

Progress on the Ground

• STEM Centers of Excellence – Universities such as the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Dodoma have received seed funding to create interdisciplinary research labs, particularly in bio‑engineering, renewable energy, and data science. A recent partnership with the Tanzania Innovation Fund (TIF) is facilitating a pilot research center in Mwanza focused on sustainable fisheries.

• Digital Learning Platforms – The Ministry of ICT introduced “STEMe” (STEM e‑Learning), an online portal that curates interactive modules for secondary students. The portal boasts over 3,000 registered users nationwide and has been cited by the Education Quality Assessment Center as boosting problem‑solving scores by 12 % in pilot schools.

• Teacher Training Initiatives – A 2022 “Teacher‑Tech” program, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, trained 500 teachers in the use of virtual labs and simulation software.

Gaps That Persist

Despite these successes, the feature highlights stark disparities. Rural schools still lack basic laboratory equipment, and only 18 % of STEM graduates in 2023 secured employment within the country. Brain drain remains a critical challenge: an estimated 40 % of Tanzania’s STEM PhDs pursue careers abroad, largely in Kenya, South Africa, and the United States.

Moreover, the article points out that while the government has earmarked funding, much of it remains in the “provisional” category, pending bureaucratic approvals that can stall projects for months. A recurring theme is the need for more predictable, transparent financial flows to sustain long‑term research agendas.

Key Recommendations – How to Re‑ignite Momentum

1. Create a Dedicated STEM Trust Fund

   The authors propose establishing a sovereign wealth‑style STEM Trust Fund that would pool resources from the government, private sector, and diaspora. This fund would provide a predictable stream of capital for research grants, scholarships, and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that projects do not get stuck in funding limbo.

2. Strengthen Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs)

   By formalizing PPPs, Tanzania could tap into the expertise and capital of multinational corporations operating in East Africa. The article cites the “Mwanza Innovation Hub” as a model, where a collaboration between TIF, a Kenyan fintech firm, and the local university produced a low‑cost solar‑powered irrigation system adopted by 1,200 farmers.

3. Enhance Data‑Driven Decision Making

   The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Data Analytics Unit could be leveraged to monitor STEM outcomes in real time. Key metrics—graduation rates, employment placement, research publications—would feed into a public dashboard, enabling stakeholders to adjust policies swiftly.

4. Leverage Diaspora Networks

   The diaspora constitutes a vast reservoir of expertise and capital. The feature urges the Ministry to formalize “Return‑and‑Invest” schemes, offering tax incentives and research grants to scientists returning to Tanzania. A pilot in 2022, which allowed 50 PhDs to set up start‑ups in Dar es Salaam, already yielded 20 new patents.

5. Prioritise STEM Education in Rural Areas

   A targeted allocation of funds to build “mobile labs”—mobile units equipped with microscopes, 3D printers, and solar panels—could bring quality STEM education to remote villages. The authors recommend a phased rollout starting with the Moshi district, where preliminary pilots showed a 25 % increase in enrollment in STEM electives.

6. Integrate STEM with Traditional Knowledge

   Finally, the article champions a culturally grounded approach: aligning modern STEM curricula with indigenous knowledge systems. For instance, the integration of traditional Maasai agricultural practices with precision farming technology could foster innovation that is both locally relevant and globally competitive.

Voices From the Field

The article weaves in perspectives from several stakeholders:

• Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Dr. Mary N. Mbewe acknowledges that while progress is visible, “the real challenge lies in sustaining momentum, especially in the face of competing political priorities.”

• Dr. James K. Okech, Lead Researcher, Tanzania Institute of Technology emphasizes the “need for a critical mass of trained researchers who can mentor the next generation.” He cites the shortfall of post‑doctoral positions as a bottleneck.

• Sofia M. Mnyanga, Founder of GreenTech Africa, a Nairobi‑based start‑up incubator, underscores the importance of “bridging academia and industry” to translate research into marketable products.

The Road Ahead

In sum, the feature frames Tanzania’s STEM trajectory as a “high‑potential, low‑performance” case: the country possesses a growing pool of talent, a supportive policy framework, and the strategic vision to harness science for development, yet systemic hurdles limit tangible outcomes. By establishing a stable funding mechanism, fostering cross‑sector partnerships, and grounding STEM in local realities, Tanzania can unlock its full potential and position itself as a leading hub for innovation in East Africa.

The article concludes with a rallying cry: “STEM is not a luxury; it is the engine that will drive Tanzania into the 21st‑century economy.” The call to action resonates with policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs alike, underscoring that a fresh infusion of momentum requires collective will, sustained investment, and a re‑imagined approach to science and technology education.