Experts: Dira 2050 hinges on science, innovation, policy alignment
The deputy Permanent Secreatry in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Daniel Mushi, addresses a gathering of researchers during the 50th anniversary of the Tanzania Journal of Science under the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). The PS reminded the group of their duty to provide evidence that will inform policy decisions in accodance with the Vision 2050 requirements.
Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania sets its sights on an ambitious development path under the proposed Vision 2050, a clear message is emerging from the scientific community: the country’s future will depend heavily on the strength of its research and its ability to influence policy.
This was the central theme at an international scientific conference held at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), yesterday, marking 50 years of the Tanzania Journal of Science (TJS).
The two-day gathering brought together over 200 researchers, academics, and stakeholders to reflect on the past and chart the future under the theme: “Natural and Applied Sciences: Future Prospective for Industrial and Societal Development.”
Opening the conference, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Daniel Mushi, underscored the centrality of science in driving the country’s long-term vision.
“We have just launched our Tanzania Development Vision initiative,” he said. “Its aspirations- building a one trillion US dollar economy and raising per capita income to 7,000 dollars, are not a joke. They require a system that embraces research, innovation and technology.”
Currently, Tanzania’s per capita income stands at about 1,000 dollars, highlighting the scale of transformation required.
According to Prof Mushi, such a leap will only be possible if scientific evidence consistently informs national decision-making.
“Science remains one of the most powerful tools for national development. It drives innovation, strengthens industry, and informs policy. Scientific evidence must guide us,” he emphasised.
The Vision 2050 agenda seeks to transform Tanzania into a middle- to high-income economy driven by industrialisation, innovation, and productivity.
Experts at the conference argued that achieving this will require stronger links between research, industry, and government, an area that remains weak.
Prof Mushi warned that many research findings still end up “on shelves” instead of being translated into practical solutions. “It is high time this changes,” he said, urging scientists to engage more closely with industry so their work can be commercialised and address real societal challenges.
The Vice Chancellor of UDSM, Prof William Anangisye, echoed this call, stressing that universities must remain connected to society.
“Science does not exist in isolation. It must speak to policy and help respond to real and pressing challenges,” he said in his welcoming remarks.
He noted that issues such as climate change, food security, public health, and technological transformation demand evidence-based solutions, placing researchers at the centre of national development.
At the heart of the discussions was the role played by the Tanzania Journal of Science, established in 1975. Over the past five decades, the journal has served as a key platform for disseminating research findings and advancing scientific knowledge in Tanzania and beyond.
“For fifty years, it has provided an important platform through which scholars have shared ideas and contributed to scientific discourse,” Prof Anangisye said, describing the milestone as both a moment of pride and national significance.
Today, TJS is among seven UDSM journals indexed in the global Elsevier system, giving Tanzanian research wider international visibility and impact.
Conference organisers said the journal has also played a critical role in mentoring young researchers. Prof Mushi highlighted the importance of such platforms in nurturing the next generation of scientists.
“This is an opportunity for young researchers to interact with senior scholars, learn what it takes to publish, and gain visibility for their work,” he said.
Participants also addressed emerging challenges, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence in research and the need for open access publishing to ensure wider availability of scientific knowledge.
As Tanzania looks ahead to 2050, experts agreed that the country must invest not only in research but also in systems that ensure findings translate into policy and practice.
“There must be dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public,” Prof Mushi noted. “Researchers have a big role to play, not only in generating knowledge but in shaping the direction of our country.”
