HEET project transforms Nelson Mandela Institution into a hub of innovation and science in Africa

The Higher Education for Eco­nomic Transformation (HEET) project has significantly enhanced the Nelson Mandela African Insti­tution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), positioning it as one of Africa’s leading centers for science, technology, and innovation.

Implemented under the Tanza­nian Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and funded with $425 million by the World Bank, the five-year project (2021/2022– 2025/2026) aims to transform high­er education in Tanzania.

HEET’s primary goal is to upgrade university infrastructure, enhance staff capacity, and strengthen the linkage between universities and the labor market, ensuring higher education becomes a key driver of socio-economic development.

Located in Arusha, NM-AIST is part of a network of Pan-African institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Maulilio Kipanyula, said that the institution seeks to catalyze region-al development by producing high­ly skilled scientists and engineers through world-class research and innovation.

“Its mission is to educate the next generation of African innovators with both technical and entrepre­neurial skills to solve local challeng­es, contribute to the African Sus­tainable Development Goals, and drive economic growth through research commercialization and strong industry partnerships,” said Prof. Kipanyula.

He said through HEET, NM-AIST has received $10 million in project funding and has achieved over 94 percent of its implementation tar-gets within four years, a testament to the institution’s efficiency and commitment.

Project Coordinator Prof. Suzana Augustino said, HEET has enabled NM-AIST to modernize its labo­ratories, equipping them with cut­ting-edge instruments for testing and analysis that meet international standards.

She said, this development will reduce dependency on overseas lab­oratories, allowing researchers to conduct all technical analyses and experimental work safely within the institution.

“These upgraded labs, will not only support academic research but will also become a significant reve­nue stream, providing professional consulting services to private sector companies and government insti­tutions,”

NM-AIST has made substantial progress in innovation, securing 29 patents to date, several of which are attracting investors for commercial production.

Notable innovations include Nano-filter water purification sys­tems, Dual reactors for rapid bio-gas and bio-fertilizer production, Solar-powered tobacco drying sys­tems, and Black Soldier Fly larvae production using sisal leaf waste.

“These innovations have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders including the Minis-try of Agriculture, Kamal Group of Companies, and African Fibre Tan­zania Ltd”.

Deputy Project Coordinator Dan­iel Lohay Fissoo stated that, to fur­ther promote commercialization, NM-AIST has established four spin-off companies and an investment company to manage business oper­ations and attract additional inves­tors to its innovation ecosystem.

HEET has also facilitated PhD mobility scholarships through programs such as MCF and IHEA, boosting the number of postgradu­ate students and increasing demand for NM-AIST’s laboratory services both locally and internationally.

“Through this project, we are converting research into real solu­tions that benefit society, demon­strating how higher education can be a pillar of sustainable economic development in Africa,” Fissoo said.

NM-AIST has allocated HEET funds across eight priority are- as, including upgrading learning resources ($601,040), updating curricula (US$151,500), promoting applied research and innovation (US$5,620,382), and building func­tional linkages with the private sec­tor (US$1,146,925).

Other areas include online learn­ing development, ICT infrastruc­ture, capacity building, and project management. Physical implemen­tation of these areas ranges from 70 percent to 100 percent, reflecting strong progress.

NM-AIST’s HEET achievements illustrate the institution’s transfor­mation into a research-driven hub where innovation directly benefits society.

Fissoo noted challenges remain, particularly regarding procurement processes and supplier capacity, but strengthened inspection and evalu­ation systems have mitigated these issues.

One of the most notable out- comes of this modernization is the establishment of the Consultan­cy Bureau, a unit responsible for providing research-based advisory services.

He said the Bureau has success- fully won seven consultancy bids valued at over $5.5 million, serving industries, government bodies, and community-based projects.

“This initiative has enhanced NM-AIST’s self-sustainability by diversifying income sources beyond tuition fees and grants”

In addition, the institution has prepared and submitted 34 com­petitive research proposals to var­ious development partners, collec­tively valued at US$246 million.

“This not only reflects NM-AIST’s growing research capacity but also its rising profile as a credible hub for innovation-driven development in Africa,”