On 5 July 2021, the project Strengthening STI Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa got underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The project launched at a multi-stakeholder consultation meeting, attended by about 50 participants representing government ministries and policy-making bodies, research and ethics regulatory bodies, the private sector and local communities.

The ceremony was presided by Prof. James Mdoe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. In his speech to the participants, Prof. Mdoe drew attention to the need to strengthen scientific research and the national innovation ecosystem as part of wider efforts to address global challenges. He noted that the project had arrived at the right time.

The project, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), is supporting Tanzania in its efforts to strengthen its national innovation systems in line with the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, a landmark international accord adopted by UNESCO’s 195 member states in November 2017.

At the meeting, participants were invited to exchange ideas on the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers and the implementation of its Ten Key Areas. The Recommendation sets common standards and norms for the research systems, with provisions that address human rights, scientific freedom, ethics and integrity and knowledge circulation, among other things.                      

Two TV networks, ITV and TBC, included coverage of the launch ceremony in their news broadcasts.

Tanzania is one of six pilot countries taking part in the project, alongside Congo, Ghana, Namibia, Sierra-Leone and Zimbabwe.