(Unguja) – Zanzibar is set to make significant strides in science and technology with the launch of a state-of-the-art nuclear research and development facility. President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, will inaugurate the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) regional office and laboratory in Dunga Zuze, South Unguja, on November 11, 2024.
This facility is part of a broader effort to decentralize nuclear technology services, ensuring closer access to regulation and the promotion of safe nuclear practices for Zanzibar’s residents. The move aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to expand TAEC’s reach and enhance its capabilities.
According to the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, this launch will bring the total number of TAEC regional offices to four, alongside others in Arusha (Northern Zone), Dodoma (Central Zone), and Mwanza (Lake Zone). The Zanzibar center will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and application of nuclear technology in key areas such as health, agriculture, and industry.
Nuclear technology holds potential to revolutionize various sectors. It is used to detect and treat cancer, improve crop resilience, preserve food by eliminating harmful microbes, and control disease-carrying insects like tsetse flies. It also ensures the quality and durability of large structures, such as oil tanks and pipelines, verifies construction quality of roads and railways, and supports wastewater treatment.
Prof. Mkenda emphasized the increasing importance of nuclear science in Tanzania, particularly in agriculture, health, industry, livestock, and water management. He stated that the adoption of nuclear technology can boost productivity, enhance product quality, and ensure the safety and efficiency of services across these sectors.
However, he acknowledged that realizing these benefits requires robust infrastructure and modern facilities. The new laboratory in Zanzibar will provide a solid foundation for research, training, and development, enabling scientists to innovate and discover solutions for local challenges.
The facility will also enhance Tanzania’s ability to trade with other nations by ensuring the safety and quality of products entering and leaving the country. Moreover, it will improve academic capacity, facilitate technology transfer, and open avenues for international collaboration in scientific research and technological advancement.
To build the expertise required for these initiatives, the government launched the “Samia Extended Scholarship Program,” which funds advanced studies in nuclear science and technology abroad. This year, five Tanzanian students will receive scholarships for master’s programs in this field, with plans to increase funding as resources allow.
Chairman of the TAEC Board, Prof. Joseph Msambichaka, highlighted the practical impact of the new facility. Previously, radiation samples from Zanzibar had to be sent to Arusha or Dar es Salaam for testing, incurring high costs and delays. With the new lab, testing and analysis can now be conducted locally, saving both time and resources.
This milestone underscores Tanzania’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology for national development while ensuring its safe and responsible use.
Table of Nuclear Technology Applications and Benefits
| Application Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Health | Cancer detection and treatment. |
| Agriculture | Improving crop resilience and increasing yields. |
| Food Safety | Preserving food by eliminating harmful microbes. |
| Disease Control | Managing pests like tsetse flies. |
| Infrastructure | Ensuring quality of pipelines, tanks, and large structures. |
| Construction | Verifying road and railway construction quality. |
| Water Treatment | Cleaning wastewater for reuse. |
| Trade | Ensuring product safety and quality for export and import. |
| Education and Research | Facilitating advanced studies and innovation in nuclear science. |