GGM Strengthens Ties with UDSM for Innovation and Future Growth
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
In a significant move to bolster sustainable development, Geita Gold Mine (GGM) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) have committed to deepening their strategic alliance for enhancing innovation, skills development, and research-driven solutions for Tanzania’s mining sector.
The partnership, reaffirmed during a high-level delegation visit to the mine on September 1st, 2025, which underscores a shared vision between the nation’s premier academic institution and a leading industrial player to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, driving national progress.
UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, praised GGM’s enduring support, highlighting the critical role of such collaborations in national development. “Our partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a prosperous Tanzania,” stated Prof. Anangisye.
He added: “GGM’s unwavering support has been instrumental in enhancing our research capabilities, nurturing innovation, and providing invaluable opportunities for our students and faculty beyond the classroom”.
Prof. Anangisye detailed key achievements stemming from the collaboration, including GGM’s sponsorship of the UDSM Research and Innovation Week, comprehensive internship programs, and support for cultural and community initiatives.
He also acknowledged GGM’s active participation in Industry Advisory Committees (IAC), which provide critical insights that shape curriculum design and research priorities at the university.
Formalising a shared vision for sustainability
GGM Managing Director, Mr. Ashraf Suryaningrat, emphasised the company’s commitment to formalising the partnership through a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). “GGM has always believed that our success is intertwined with the growth of local institutions and communities”.
“By investing in this partnership with UDSM, we are investing in Tanzania’s future workforce, fostering a generation of skilled professionals who will champion sustainable mining practices and technological innovation”, Mr. Suryaningrat remarked.
He outlined ongoing initiatives, such as employing UDSM graduates, supporting community development projects, and facilitating skills enhancement programmes. The career of Mr. Joachim Lusana, GGM’s Manager of Open Pit Mine Geology and a UDSM geology pioneer, was highlighted as a testament to the partnership’s success in building local talent.
Echoing the focus on progress, Mr. Duan Campbell, GGM’s Business Improvement Manager, noted, “Mining is evolving rapidly, and so must our approaches. This collaboration will be key to jointly exploring new technologies, improving efficiencies, and ensuring our practices remain environmentally and socially responsible”.
Aligning academia with industry demands
The UDSM delegation included senior officials who discussed aligning academic programmes with dynamic industry needs.
Prof. Neema Mori, Director of Public Services, underscored the university’s proactive curriculum reviews. “We aim to produce graduates who are not only academically grounded but also possess the specific skills and competencies employers like GGM require,” she said, stressing the value of joint research and internships.
Prof. Elisante Mshiu, Dean of the School of Mines and Geoscience, called for continued support in strengthening geology programmes through practical training and industrial attachments for staff.
Innovation was a central theme. Prof. Lilian Kaale, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, emphasised the need to commercialise research. “We must move beyond publishing papers to creating market-ready solutions. GGM’s industry expertise is crucial to help scale these innovations for tangible impact”.
A recent success story was highlighted by Dr. Innocent Macha, Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology, who mentioned a collaborative project that resulted in the development of an electric vehicle.
Dr. Eva Shayo, UDSM’s Industry Linkage Liaison Officer, emphasised the strategic importance of sustained collaboration for national development, proposing expanded staff exchanges, joint consultancies, and professional workshops.
Both institutions expressed strong optimism for the future, with plans to scale up joint initiatives in research, innovation, and skills development through a structured framework outlined in the forthcoming MoU.