UDSM Clinches Top Honour at 2025 Sabasaba: Leading in Higher Learning, Skills Development, and Research
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has once again affirmed its leadership in academia, research, and innovation by emerging as the First Winner in the category of Higher Learning Education, Skills Development, and Research Institutions at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba.
The award was officially presented by Hon. Dr Selemani Jafo, Minister of Industry and Trade, witnessed by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, a proud alumnus of UDSM, during the colourful closing ceremony at the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Fair Grounds. The Trade Fair was held from 28 June to 13 July 2025.
This prestigious recognition underscores UDSM’s unwavering commitment to shaping Tanzania’s knowledge economy through cutting-edge research, skills empowerment, and community-responsive innovations.
In his Fair’s closing remarks, Prime Minister Majaliwa praised the transformative role of the fair, emphasising its growing strategic importance. His words served as a validation of the fair’s significance.
“This trade fair is of its kind, it is not just an event but a national platform for innovation, investment and collaboration. We must benchmark from global experiences such as the Japan Expo, where Tanzania was proudly represented”, he stated.
He further called upon Tanzanians to support local content and domestic production, highlighting the government’s vision of building a self-reliant and competitive economy. His call instils a sense of duty and responsibility.
“We must embrace Tanzanian products, innovations, and brands, just as TanTrade continues to champion the ‘Made in Tanzania’ narrative. Winning institutions are key in pushing this agenda forward”, he added.
Remarkable milestone
Receiving the award on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. William Anangisye, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface, described the honour as both a remarkable milestone and a renewed call to action. He reiterated the University’s mission to be at the forefront of solving national challenges through research, innovation, and partnerships.
“This award belongs to every student, academic, researcher, exhibitor, and partner who contributed to our collective success. It is a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together toward a shared vision”, said Prof. Boniface.
Throughout the trade fair, the UDSM pavilion stood out for its vibrant energy, practical innovations, and interactive exhibits that attracted thousands of local and international visitors. The University showcased research outputs and emerging technologies in agriculture, education, health, engineering, renewable energy, water purification, geosciences and mining.
“Many of the innovations demonstrated were developed by students and young researchers, reflecting the institution’s firm commitment to nurturing youth potential”, said Prof. Boniface.
A particularly inspiring moment came with the display of an innovation developed by a young female student Ms. Nurath Nurdin who also works at TBS, a non-invasive device capable of testing blood without drawing it through syringes.
The technology uses light sensors and artificial intelligence to analyse blood parameters through the skin, offering a safe and painless alternative for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes. This breakthrough innovation captured the imagination of visitors and was hailed as a beacon of what youth-led science can achieve when given institutional support.
UDSM creativity and relevant projects
In addition to government dignitaries and academics, the UDSM pavilion was honoured by a special visit from H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and current Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam.
Dr. Kikwete took time to interact with exhibitors and young innovators, expressing admiration for the creativity and relevance of the projects on display. His visit inspired students and staff alike, reinforcing the University’s proud legacy of producing national leaders and problem-solvers.
Dr. Dotto Paul Kuhenga, Chairperson of the UDSM Sabasaba Preparations Committee, and UDSM Head of Communication and Marketing expressed immense satisfaction with the University's performance at the fair.
“This victory is the fruit of dedicated teamwork, strategic planning, and a deep sense of purpose. It reflects the University’s long-standing tradition of excellence and its forward-looking vision. I commend everyone involved, from academic units to administrative teams, for delivering a truly world-class exhibition”, he said.
Public reactions on social media were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising UDSM’s booth as one of the most engaging and relevant across the entire fairground. One attendee described it as “a living example of how research, innovation, and youth empowerment can be harmonised for national transformation.” In contrast, others lauded the University’s efforts to translate academic work into real-world solutions.
Beyond the physical exhibits, UDSM hosted daily knowledge-sharing sessions and live demonstrations, ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes, counselling and business clinic sessions, to health services, student-led innovation pitches and alums networking dialogues. These activities created a dynamic space for collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the public.
This latest accolade reaffirms the University of Dar es Salaam’s position as a continental leader in higher education, research, and innovation. UDSM remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and turning knowledge into tangible impact for Tanzania and beyond.