President Samia Inaugurates IMS Facility, Advancing UDSM’s Blue Economy Role
By Zamda George, CMU
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has ushered the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) into a new chapter of marine science, research and innovation following the official inauguration of a state-of-the-art Academic and Administration Building at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) in Buyu, Zanzibar, on 8 January 2026.
The inauguration marks a major milestone in the Government’s strategic investment in higher education and the Blue Economy, significantly strengthening Tanzania’s capacity in ocean science, climate research, postgraduate training and innovation. The new facility positions IMS as a national and regional hub for marine science excellence, serving Tanzania and the wider Eastern African region.
Officiating at the ceremony, President Samia commended UDSM leadership for what she described as results-oriented and disciplined project implementation, noting that the facility had been completed within the planned timeframe.
“This building is a clear demonstration of effective leadership and proper use of public resources. I commend the University management for delivering this project on time and for ensuring that Government investments translate into tangible results,” President Samia said.
The inauguration comes exactly one year after the foundation stone for the same facility was laid on 5 January 2025 by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, underscoring strong institutional commitment and efficient project execution.
Addressing students and staff of IMS, President Samia urged learners to make wise, innovative and impactful use of the modern facilities, describing the new complex as a strategic national asset for nurturing scientific excellence and driving innovation.
“These facilities are a major investment by the Government. I expect students and researchers to use them responsibly and creatively to generate knowledge, innovations and solutions that contribute to national development and the Blue Economy,” she said.
During the ceremony, the President further pledged Government support to three key requests presented by the Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
The requests include the completion of a female students’ hostel, construction of a male students’ hostel, and the acquisition of a dedicated marine research vessel—investments aimed at improving student welfare and significantly enhancing marine research capacity.
A centre for training, research and innovation
In his address, Chancellor Kikwete expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for facilitating land ownership documentation and access road infrastructure for IMS.
“The support provided by the Government of Zanzibar has been instrumental in strengthening IMS as a centre for training, research and innovation aligned with Tanzania’s Blue Economy agenda,” Dr. Kikwete said.
He also appealed to President Samia to grant the University an opportunity for further engagement regarding the University of Dar es Salaam Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (MCHAS), following its relocation from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya Region under a directive issued by the late President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, aimed at ensuring the College’s sustainable growth and optimal functioning.
A strategic engine for the Blue Economy
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. William Andey Lazaro Anangisye, described the newly inaugurated IMS facilities as a strategic investment in Tanzania’s higher education, research and innovation ecosystem.
“This infrastructure significantly strengthens UDSM’s capacity to deliver high-quality training, produce globally competitive marine scientists and generate evidence-based solutions that support the national Blue Economy agenda,” Prof. Anangisye said.
He noted that the expanded facilities will support interdisciplinary research in marine and coastal systems, climate change and sustainable utilisation of ocean resources, while also enhancing postgraduate training and international research collaboration.
“Our commitment is to ensure that public investments in higher education translate into measurable national impact through innovation, skills development and responsible resource management,” he added.
One of the highlights of the event was a detailed technical presentation delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Planning, Finance and Administration and UDSM-HEET Coordinator, Prof. Bernadeta Killian. Known for guiding national leaders through development milestones using simple tools in earlier projects, Prof. Killian this time embraced digital innovation, presenting the IMS project using an interactive digital screen.
She walked President Samia through the building’s advanced laboratories in chemical, physical and biological oceanography, alongside other specialised facilities, highlighting their role in advancing marine research, innovation and skills development.
Prof. Killian also showcased the building’s special-needs-friendly design, reaffirming UDSM’s commitment to inclusive and future-ready research infrastructure.
A facility built for regional impact
Set on a 50.24-hectare campus, the newly inaugurated IMS complex dramatically expands Tanzania’s capacity for marine science education and research. The modern facility features 10 smart classrooms, five cutting-edge marine science laboratories, a computer laboratory, a 150-seat conference hall, and a student hostel.
The building alone can accommodate 896 students and 80 staff simultaneously, raising IMS’s total capacity to 1,220 students and 120 staff. With this expansion, IMS is positioned to train the next generation of ocean scientists and innovators from across Eastern Africa.
With President Samia’s inauguration, the new IMS facility stands as a powerful symbol of Tanzania’s commitment to science-led development, innovation and sustainable use of marine resources, firmly placing UDSM at the centre of the country’s Blue Economy ambitions.