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Former President and Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Jakaya Kikwete, has laid out an ambitious plan to turn UDSM into Africa’s leading institution for marine science research.
The focus is on the ongoing renovation and expansion of the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) in Zanzibar, which Kikwete believes will place Tanzania at the heart of marine research on the continent.
Kikwete visited the IMS site at Buyu on December 8, 2024, where he expressed his confidence that the project would not only revitalize the institute but also cement UDSM’s reputation as a center of excellence in marine and aquatic research. “This is a unique center, and I believe that once completed, we will establish our university as a hub for essential marine and aquatic research,” he said.
The renovation is being funded through an $8 million grant from the World Bank’s Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project. This funding aims to bring the IMS up to date, increasing its capacity to house 280 students, a significant rise from the current 139. After years of limited progress, the renovation marks the beginning of a new chapter for the institute, which had long been underutilized.
Kikwete, who served as Tanzania’s president from 2005 to 2015, stressed that the project is vital for UDSM and the broader Tanzanian economy. He highlighted that marine science is crucial for the country’s future, especially in addressing environmental issues, sustainable resource management, and climate change. This initiative also positions the institute to become a major player in regional and global marine research collaborations.
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The upgraded IMS will not only expand research opportunities for students and scholars but will also serve as a magnet for international talent, enhancing Tanzania’s role in the global marine science community. Kikwete envisions that the renovation will help tackle pressing issues such as ocean health and climate change while contributing to Tanzania’s long-term development goals.
This development aligns with Tanzania’s ongoing investments in higher education, positioning UDSM as a key institution for academic excellence in Africa. The renovation is expected to be completed in the next few years, further strengthening UDSM’s status as a leading institution in marine sciences.
