On Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, Mr. Nathan Belete, the World Bank Country Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, visited Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) to witness firsthand the major projects being implemented at SUA that are funded by the World Bank.
Among these projects is the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS), and The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM & BTD).
Mr. Nathan Belete
Speaking to the University leadership, coordinators, and project leaders, Mr Belete commended Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for effectively utilizing the funds provided by the Bank and pledged to continue providing support to further develop the positive outcomes achieved and those yet to come.
“Recognizing the role of education as human capital, the World Bank has prioritized education in the implementation of our projects. I take this opportunity to assure the Ministry of Education and SUA that we will continue to collaborate in executing projects like these that bring significant benefits to the development of citizens and the nation,” stated Mr Belete.
He praised SUA for its commendable work in seeking solutions to various national challenges and pledged to collaborate with the University to address the low enrollment of students, as statistics indicate that Tanzania’s enrollment is lower compared to neighboring countries.
Dr. Keneth Hosea
On his part, the Acting Director of Higher Education from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Keneth Hosea, conveyed greetings from the Ministry and thanked the World Bank for the support and also asked them to consider supporting these projects even after its completion, so that the excellent work carried out in these projects can be further sustained.
Prof. Raphael Chibunda
Previously, during the welcoming remarks, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, the Vice Chancellor of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), emphasized the significant impact of the two projects, SACIDS and ACE IRPM & BTD, funded by the World Bank, not only for Tanzania but also for the African continent, as their research contributes to Africa’s advancement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Tanzanian Government and the World Bank for their support, which aids the university in fulfilling its vision. Through the HEET Project, we are investing in Forest Plantation in Madaba as a means to increase our internal revenues over the next five years” said Prof. Chibunda.
Prof. Maulid Mwatawala
During the meeting, the University management presented various reports, including the university achievements since its establishment, delivered by Prof. Maulid Mwatawala, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy.
Another presentation highlighted the activities of the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS), focusing on infectious diseases south of the Sahara Desert, presented by Prof. Gerald Misinzo. The HEET Project presentation was given by Prof. Amandus Muhairwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Planning, Administration, and Finance, along with Dr. Winfred Mbungu, the Deputy Project Coordinator for the HEET Project. Lastly, Prof. Appiah Masawe presented the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM & BTD).
After these presentations, Mr. Belete and his delegation had the opportunity to visit the SACIDS and ACE IRPM & BTD centers and observe the work being done, witnessing how the funds they provided contributed to impactful research benefiting the nation and Africa as a whole.
Prof. Amandus Muhairwa (Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Administration, and Finance) – also the HEET Project Coordinator – presented an overview of the HEET Project’s implementation progress.
Dr. Winfred Mbungu, Deputy Project Coordinator, delivers insights into the diverse activities and advancements achieved by the HEET Project thus far.
Prof. Gerald Misinzo, Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) Coordinator.
Prof. Appiah Massawe, the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM & BTD) Coordinator.
