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Tanzania to build major kidney transplant centre with Sh28 billion Japanese grant
What you need to know:
- The centre is expected to become the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa
Osaka. Tanzania is set to construct a state-of-the-art kidney transplant and training centre at Benjamin Mkapa Zonal Referral Hospital in Dodoma, with funding exceeding Sh28 billion from Japan’s TOKUSHUKAI Medical Corporation.
The initiative was formalised on Monday, May 26, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the World Expo Osaka 2025, where Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa led the Tanzanian delegation.
The MoU was signed at a business, investment and tourism forum that brought together Tanzanian and Japanese investors at the Westin Hotel in Osaka.
The centre, which is expected to become the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, will be developed in collaboration with TOKUSHUKAI, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and the University of Dodoma (UDOM). The funds have been extended as a grant without any conditions.
Benjamin Mkapa Hospital executive director Prof Abel Makubi said the project aims to position Tanzania as a regional hub for kidney transplants and specialist training.
“This MoU establishes a centre of excellence for kidney transplantation in Tanzania and across the Sahara region,” Prof Makubi said, adding that the construction is expected to begin this year and be completed within three years.
He added that the Government of Tanzania is committed to supporting the implementation of the project to ensure it is delivered on schedule.
“We are grateful to the Government of Japan through these stakeholders, and we thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating a conducive environment that has made this partnership possible,” he said.
According to Prof Makubi, the centre will not only offer transplant services but will also provide training for medical specialists and conduct research aimed at preventing and reducing kidney-related diseases. The training programme will be run jointly by Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and UDOM.
UDOM vice chancellor Prof Lugano Kusiluka said the agreement will enhance ongoing kidney transplant services at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and boost local medical training capacity.
He added that UDOM is currently in the process of launching a biomedical engineering programme to reduce dependence on foreign experts for medical equipment maintenance.
“With this agreement, we will also train professionals on how to manufacture and maintain medical equipment to extend its lifespan and reduce costs,” said Prof Kusiluka.
He noted that the new centre will serve as a regional training hub for specialist doctors from across Africa, eventually expanding into other organ transplant services.
In addition to the MoU on the kidney centre, a separate agreement was signed between UDOM, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and Japan’s Africa Economic and Development Association (AFRECO).
This was one of six MoUs signed between Tanzanian government institutions—both from the Union and Zanzibar—and Japanese organisations during the forum.
