Young Tanzanians Shine at 2025 World Robot Olympiad National Finals
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The spirit of innovation and youthful brilliance filled the air as Tanzania hosted the 2025 World Robot Olympiad (WRO) National Finals, a vibrant celebration of creativity, technology, and problem-solving through robotics.
Held on 3 October 2025 at the University of Dar es Salaam, the event brought together 22 teams of young innovators, educators, and industry partners, all united by a common goal: to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and shape Tanzania’s technological future.
Organised under the coordination of the University’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS), the competition underscored the institution’s leadership in fostering innovation ecosystems and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour, Ms Fiona Quinn, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, commended the country’s commitment to integrating robotics into education and lauded the University’s leadership in driving this transformative agenda.
“Ireland is proud to support initiatives that nurture innovation and creativity among young people. These students are not just learning robotics; they are preparing to shape Tanzania’s future. The University of Dar es Salaam deserves commendation for making this vision a reality,” said Ms Quinn.
Government Reinforces STEM Commitment
Representing the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Eng. Samson Mwela reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing science and innovation.
“The government is committed to promoting science, technology, and innovation as drivers of national development. What we have witnessed today is evidence of what our youth can achieve when empowered through strong institutional and educational support,” he said.
Mwela added that the Ministry plans to integrate robotics and digital innovation into school curricula, positioning Tanzania to compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.
Prof. Flora Magige, Principal of CoNAS, emphasised the central role of universities in cultivating creativity and practical learning.
“As educators, we must continue to provide spaces where students can explore and develop ideas that solve real-world problems,” she said.
She added, “The University’s Vision 2061 aligns our academic mission with innovation and social impact, and today’s competition is proof of that commitment.”
Robotics as a Platform for Youth Empowerment
Ms Josephine Sepeku, pioneer of Tanzania’s first Robotics Bootcamp, highlighted the University’s mentorship and continued support in advancing robotics education.
“When students engage in robotics, they learn not just coding but teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. The University’s sustained engagement from the first Bootcamp to this National Final has built confidence and capacity among our youth,” she remarked.
The competition reached an exciting climax as The Agro Guards from Azania Boys Secondary School were crowned National Champions, earning the honour of representing Tanzania at the World Robot Olympiad International Finals in Singapore. Their project focused on smart agricultural systems for food security and climate resilience—impressed judges with its originality and practical value.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Dr Mwingereza Kumwenda, Head of the Department of Physics, described robotics as a transformative learning experience.
“Robotics is more than machines; it’s a mindset. It teaches critical thinking, collaboration, and sustainable innovation. This is how we nurture tomorrow’s problem-solvers,” said Dr Kumwenda.
Echoing the same sentiment, Ms Eva Shana, the University’s Coordinator for the Robotics Bootcamp, noted that mentorship and institutional support are key to sustaining excellence.
“From the Bootcamp to the National Finals, our students have shown that with guidance and opportunity, Tanzanian youth can excel globally. We look forward to seeing our champions make Tanzania proud in Singapore,” she said.
The 2025 WRO National Finals, hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders, marked another milestone in Tanzania’s journey towards a knowledge-driven economy.
With the University of Dar es Salaam at the helm, robotics has become more than an extracurricular activity. It is a powerful catalyst for STEM learning, innovation, and youth empowerment. The event affirmed that the future of Tanzania’s innovation truly begins where knowledge meets creativity and ideas take flight.