UDSM Celebrates National Recognition as UDICTI Named Tanzania’s Leading University Innovation Hub
By Ally Mambele, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam has once again affirmed its national leadership in innovation and technology development following the recognition of its ICT Innovation Hub, UDICTI, as the best university-based innovation hub in Tanzania.
The award was presented during the Tanzania Hub Network Stakeholders Gala, a high-profile national event that brought together leading innovation organisations, research institutions and university incubation centres from across the country.
This honour marks a significant institutional milestone for UDSM, reflecting the University’s long-standing investment in research-driven solutions, entrepreneurship promotion and technology innovation as part of its academic mission and national development mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface, congratulated the UDICTI team and described the award as a national affirmation of UDSM’s pioneering role in the country’s innovation ecosystem.
“This achievement belongs to the entire University of Dar es Salaam. It shows that our research, creativity and innovation ecosystems are producing real impact. We are proud of the UDICTI team, and this recognition motivates us to continue supporting innovators who are developing solutions for Tanzania, Africa and beyond,” he said.
Prof. Boniface emphasised that UDSM considers innovation to be a strategic pillar of its academic function, aligned with national priorities and international knowledge-economy trends. He noted that the University will continue to strengthen institutional platforms that nurture student-led innovation and applied research.
Principal of the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT), Prof. Baraka Maiseli, also commended the achievement, stating that the award reflected the hard work of students and staff, as well as the vision of UDSM to build a knowledge-based society.
“This recognition is not accidental; it is a result of dedication, investment and continuous learning. CoICT remains committed to providing a supportive environment where young innovators can experiment, create and transform ideas into sustainable solutions,” he said, encouraging students to take full advantage of the innovation and incubation facilities available at the college.
Flagship technology space within UDSM, supporting more than 1,500 students
The UDICTI Hub has become a flagship technology space within UDSM’s innovation landscape, offering training in ICT entrepreneurship, product development, software engineering, artificial intelligence applications and emerging digital technologies.
Over the past few years, the hub has supported more than 1,500 students through structured programmes that include mentorship, prototyping, pitching support and early-stage entrepreneurial development.
Innovation Coordinator at CoICT, Dr. Moses Ismail, welcomed the award as a milestone that reflects UDSM’s long-term commitment to giving young innovators the practical skills and exposure needed to succeed.
He added that UDSM is advancing plans to establish a larger, integrated university-based incubation centre that will support both internal innovators and external startups, with the aim of strengthening Tanzania’s innovation pipeline and enhancing national competitiveness.
UDICTI’s recognition comes at a time when UDSM is deepening its research agenda, promoting applied innovation and expanding partnerships that link universities, industry and society. As Tanzania accelerates its digital transformation journey, the University’s leadership in innovation continues to shape technological capacity and nurture young talent across multiple sectors.
The University of Dar es Salaam extends heartfelt congratulations to the UDICTI team and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to championing innovation-led development, academic excellence and impactful research for Tanzania’s future.