China-Tanzania Forum on Concrete Technology Strengthens Industry-Academia Collaboration with Strategic MoUs
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
In a landmark event that bridges academia and industry while fostering technological advancements in construction, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) successfully hosted the First Forum on Concrete and Admixture Technology at the Confucius Institute’s Multifunctional Hall recently.
The forum, held on 23rd June 2025, was a collaborative effort between UDSM’s College of Engineering and Technology (CoET) and the Confucius Institute, culminated in the signing of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Chinese engineering firms: KZJ New Materials Group Co. Ltd., Ju Ye Concrete Co. Ltd., and CRJE (East Africa) Ltd.
Presiding over the forum, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, Vice Chancellor of UDSM, described the event as a bold step toward research-driven industrial transformation and a testament to the enduring Tanzania-China partnership.
“These collaborations go beyond mere transactions, they are transformational. They reflect a shared commitment to research excellence, industrial innovation, and youth empowerment through education”, Prof. Anangisye declared.
He added: “By aligning with Tanzania’s Vision 2025 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are equipping our students with cutting-edge skills and positioning UDSM as a regional leader in applied engineering research”.
He further commended China’s ongoing investment in Tanzania’s educational and infrastructural development, citing initiatives such as the LETS Scholarship Programme, which provides TZS 120 million in funding for undergraduate and postgraduate students in civil and transportation engineering.
“This partnership is an investment in Tanzania’s future. We are nurturing the next generation of engineers who will drive our nation’s industrialisation and technological progress”, he emphasized.
Bridging academia and industry through applied research
Prof. Baraka Maiseli, Principal of the College of Information and Communication Technologies (representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface), underscored the forum’s role in solving real-world industrial challenges through applied research.
“This collaboration exemplifies how academia can directly contribute to industry needs while reinforcing Tanzania’s position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Prof. Maiseli stated.
The forum featured insights from local and international experts, covering innovations in concrete admixtures, AI-driven construction methodologies, and quality control in infrastructure development.
A keynote presentation by Dr. Ma Xiuxing, General Manager of LETS KZJ Group, titled “Chemistry and AI Transforming Engineering,” demonstrated how digitalisation is revolutionising materials science and construction practices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pancras Bujulu, Head of the Department of Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering (representing CoET Principal Prof. Innocent Macha), provided a Tanzanian perspective on raw material challenges and quality assurance in local construction.
“The knowledge shared today is already influencing our curriculum, student projects, and faculty research strategies. This is the essence of applied research, directly contributing to national development while preparing our students for industry demands”, Dr. Bujulu noted.
Strengthening Tanzania-China ties through technical and educational exchange
Prof. Xiaozhen Zhang, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UDSM and the forum’s Master of Ceremonies, highlighted the cross-cultural academic-industrial synergy fostered by the event.
“Through initiatives like this, we are not just promoting Confucius Institute programmes, we are reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic and economic partnership between Tanzania and China. This model of knowledge diplomacy merges education with industrial solutions for tangible impact”, Prof. Zhang remarked.
Corporate leaders from the partnering firms echoed this sentiment. Ms. Xu Hongjuan, General Manager of JUYE Concrete Co., Ltd., described the MoUs as a long-term investment in Tanzania’s engineering talent.
“Through this agreement we are building a future where Tanzanian engineers are globally competitive and locally impactful”, she affirmed.
Similarly, Mr. Bai Haochen, Vice General Manager of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd., emphasised the practical outcomes of the collaboration.
“Beyond paperwork, we are entering an exciting phase of co-developing technical knowledge, improving industry standards, and training the next generation of construction professionals,” he said.
Aligning with national development goals and institutional vision
Dr. Lwitiko Kalenga from the College of Engineering and Technology provided deeper insights into Tanzania’s construction material challenges and adaptation strategies. He stressed that the newly signed MoUs would enhance research collaboration, facilitate technology transfer, and support industrial training and staff development.
“These partnerships align with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, the National Skills Development Strategy, and UDSM’s Vision 2061, particularly in advancing STEM infrastructure and innovation,” Dr. Kalenga explained.
To ensure accountability, UDSM announced a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the implementation of the agreements and measure their impact on industrial upgrading.
The successful convening of this inaugural forum solidifies UDSM’s position as a hub for regional knowledge exchange, applied engineering innovation, and international cooperation.
By fostering industry-academia collaboration and leveraging China-Tanzania partnerships, the University is paving the way for sustainable infrastructure development and technological advancement in Tanzania and beyond.