On 29–30 April 2026, The Ifakara Health Institute hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, accompanied by representatives from the University of Dar es Salaam, for a two-day official visit focused on strengthening research and innovation systems in Tanzania.

The engagement followed a nationwide assessment of Research and Development Institutions conducted by the Ministry, aimed at identifying opportunities to enhance institutional performance and align research ecosystems with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and long-term socio-economic priorities.

A national effort to strengthen research systems

The delegation focused on examining systems that underpin high-performing research environments. These included quality management frameworks that ensure excellence in research infrastructure and operations; performance evaluation models and human resource systems that support and retain scientific talent; mechanisms for technology transfer and innovation uptake; and strategies that expand access to financing and critical research resources.

Engaging the engine behind research delivery

Throughout the two-day visit in Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo, the delegation participated in a series of structured presentations and discussions with key institutional units and research platforms across Ifakara.

These included the Grants and Contracts Unit, Quality Assurance, ICT, Human Resources, Data Management and Monitoring & Evaluation, Finance, the Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy Department, the Research Directorate, as well as presentations covering the Clinical Trial Facility, the Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU), the Transmission Zero Facility, research laboratories, and training units.

Through these engagements, unit and platform leads provided in-depth insights into how their respective functions contribute to the institute’s research ecosystem. Discussions unpacked organizational structures, operational workflows, and the systems that ensure efficiency, compliance, and high-quality research delivery across programmes and locations.

A strong emphasis was placed on cross-cutting contributions to the Ministry’s priority areas. Presentations highlighted how internal systems reinforce accountability, enable data-driven decision-making, and support researchers throughout the full research lifecycle—from proposal development to implementation and dissemination.
 

Positioning research at the center of development

The visit marked an important moment for national dialogue on the future of research and innovation in Tanzania. By bringing together policymakers, academic institutions and research practitioners, the engagement created space for aligning institutional strengths with national priorities. It also underscored the importance of continued collaboration across sectors to build a resilient, well-resourced and globally competitive research ecosystem for Tanzania.