By @africa
In a world where innovation is the lifeblood of progress, Dr. Hassan Mshinda stands as a towering figure in Tanzania’s journey toward scientific and technological excellence. His story is one of personal achievement and a relentless commitment to empowering others, transforming systems, and building a future where innovation thrives. From the lush slopes of Moshi to the global stage, Dr. Mshinda’s life is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the belief that young minds hold the key to solving the world’s greatest challenges.
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Purpose
Born in Moshi, Tanzania, on September 29, 1959, Dr. Mshinda’s early years were shaped by his homeland’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. But it was his insatiable curiosity and drive to make a difference that propelled him beyond borders. He pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a Master of Science in Applied Parasitology and Medical Entomology from the University of Liverpool in 1992. His academic journey continued in Switzerland, where he obtained a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Basel in 2000. These formative years laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world impact.
A Legacy of Leadership in Public Health
Dr. Mshinda’s career took flight at the Ifakara Health Institute, where he served as a scientist and later as Director. Under his leadership, the institute became a beacon of hope in the fight against malaria, schistosomiasis, and other public health challenges. His ability to secure international research grants and translate findings into actionable policies earned global recognition, culminating in the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 2008. This accolade was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of Tanzania’s potential to lead in global health innovation.
Championing Innovation at COSTECH
In 2008, Dr. Mshinda was appointed Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), a role defining his legacy as a catalyst for change. Recognizing the untapped potential of Tanzania’s youth, he spearheaded initiatives to create a thriving innovation ecosystem. He established innovation spaces, incubation programs, and funding mechanisms that empowered young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. His mantra, “You better ask for forgiveness instead of wasting your time asking for permission,” became a rallying cry for a generation unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Under his leadership, COSTECH became a hub of creativity and collaboration. Initiatives like the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi) and BUNI Hub gave young innovators the resources, mentorship, and networks needed to thrive. Dr. Mshinda’s hands-on approach was evident in projects like the 3D printer made from e-waste, a groundbreaking innovation showcasing Tanzania’s global ingenuity.
Mentorship: Lighting the Path for Future Leaders
Dr. Mshinda’s impact extends far beyond policies and programs. He is a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to countless young Tanzanians. Jumanne Mtambalike, CEO of Sahara Ventures, credits Dr. Mshinda with instilling in him the courage to take risks and the passion to create platforms for others to succeed. “He taught me to have the heart of helping others,” Mtambalike recalls, a sentiment echoed by many who Dr. Mshinda’s generosity and vision have touched.
His commitment to fostering talent is evident in initiatives like the #Mawazo Challenge, encouraging young innovators to design solutions for pressing community challenges in education, health, and WASH. Through collaborations with organizations like the Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), Dr. Mshinda has ensured that innovation is not just a buzzword but a driving force for sustainable development.
A Visionary in Malaria Research
Dr. Mshinda’s expertise in public health has also shaped Tanzania’s approach to malaria control. He has been a vocal advocate for adapting strategies to address the evolving behavior of mosquitoes, emphasizing the need for outdoor transmission prevention and innovative repellents. His insights have advanced research and saved countless lives, underscoring the critical role of science in addressing societal challenges.
A Lifetime of Recognition and Impact
Dr. Mshinda’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tanzania Startup Association in 2022. Yet, his greatest reward lies in the thriving innovation ecosystem he has helped build. Today, Tanzania’s technology startups are flourishing, and its young innovators are making waves on the global stage. This progress is a testament to Dr. Mshinda’s unwavering belief in the power of innovation to transform lives.
A Legacy That Inspires
Dr. Hassan Mshinda’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unyielding commitment to the future. He has shown that young people can achieve the extraordinary with the right support and opportunities. His work has positioned Tanzania as a leader in innovation and inspired a generation to dream big and act boldly.
As Tanzania continues to rise as a hub of technological advancement, Dr. Mshinda’s legacy will endure as a guiding light for future innovators. His life is a powerful reminder that the seeds of change are sown not in grand gestures but in the daily acts of mentorship, collaboration, and belief in the potential of others. Dr. Hassan Mshinda is not just a driving force for innovation in Tanzania—he is a beacon of hope for a brighter, more innovative future.
In his own words, “Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about people, passion, and the courage to create a better world.” And through his work, Dr. Mshinda has done just that—creating a better world, one idea at a time.
Dr. Hassan Mshinda on Tanzania’s Commitment to Science, Investment, and Development – A Model for Africa
His insights, drawn from Tanzania’s experience, offer a blueprint for African nations aiming to harness science and technology for sustainable growth. Tanzania has proactively coordinated research across key health, agriculture, energy, and social sciences sectors. The government’s commitment to promoting technology development and transfer and disseminating scientific knowledge to the public underscores its dedication to evidence-based policymaking. This holistic strategy ensures that research addresses real-world challenges and contributes to national development.
Investing in Research and Development
Dr. Mshinda highlighted Tanzania’s journey toward fulfilling its commitment to allocate 1% of its GDP to research and development (R&D). This milestone, achieved in 2009, marks a significant shift in prioritizing science as a driver of economic growth. The government’s sustained investment has revitalized the scientific community, with over 300 master’s and PhD students supported, 15 research institutions rehabilitated, and more than 50 research projects funded. These efforts have already yielded tangible results, such as developing fast-maturing sorghum varieties that promise to enhance food security.
Building Research Infrastructure and Capacity
Tanzania is investing in human capital and the infrastructure needed to sustain a robust research ecosystem. By partnering with organizations like COSTECH, the country is developing tools and platforms to streamline research coordination and funding processes. Initiatives like the Health Research Web exemplify Tanzania’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient research management.
Thinking Beyond Aid: The Role of the Private Sector
Dr. Mshinda emphasized the need for African nations to move beyond reliance on foreign aid. With global economic challenges affecting traditional donors, Tanzania is exploring innovative funding mechanisms, including greater private-sector involvement. By fostering an enabling environment for private investment and aligning research with market needs, the country aims to create sustainable development pathways.
Empowering Youth in Research and Innovation
Recognizing the potential of its youthful population, Tanzania is actively engaging young people in research and innovation. Initiatives like ICT incubation hubs are nurturing startups and encouraging entrepreneurship. Dr. Mshinda stressed the importance of shifting mindsets from job-seeking to job creation, ensuring that the next generation drives innovation and economic transformation.
A New Era for African Innovation
Tanzania’s efforts reflect a broader vision for Africa’s scientific and technological advancement. By prioritizing R&D, fostering collaboration, and embracing innovation, the country sets an example for others to follow. Dr. Mshinda’s call for a paradigm shift—from aid dependency to self-reliance—resonates as a powerful message for the continent’s future. As Dr. Mshinda aptly noted, the enthusiasm among scientists and the tangible outcomes of research investments signal a new era of progress. By continuing to prioritize R&D, engage the private sector, and empower its youth, Tanzania is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future—not just for itself, but for Africa as a whol
: Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Insights from Dr. Hassan Mshinda and African Leaders
In a thought-provoking fireside chat between His Excellency Rtd. Ambassador Ami Mpungwe and Dr. Hassan Mshinda, the discussion centered on Africa’s readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the transformative potential of technology in addressing the continent’s unique challenges. The conversation highlighted Tanzania’s efforts, regional initiatives, and the critical role of policy, innovation, and youth empowerment in shaping Africa’s future.
Africa’s Dichotomy: Riches vs. Poverty
Dr. Mshinda opened the dialogue by addressing Africa’s paradox: a continent rich in natural resources yet plagued by poverty. He emphasized the need to resolve historical and structural imbalances while tackling new, sophisticated challenges brought by the 4IR. “We have to address our old conflicts and contradictions while also preparing for the future,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of embracing digital transformation.
The Digital Imperative
The 4IR is reshaping industries globally, and Africa is no exception. Dr. Mshinda highlighted the inevitability of digitalization, noting that no company can afford to ignore it. “Every company today must have a digital channel. It’s not optional; it’s imperative,” he said. However, this shift comes with challenges, including job displacement and the need for workforce reskilling. Ambassador Mpungwe echoed this sentiment, sharing examples of how traditional industries like agriculture are leveraging technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
Tanzania’s Digital Journey in Agriculture
Dr. Mshinda provided a compelling example of how Tanzania is integrating technology into agriculture. Through digital mapping, drone technology, and mobile apps, smallholder farmers are receiving tailored advice on crop selection, planting schedules, and pest control. “We’ve digitally mapped our sugarcane farms and are developing apps that work even on basic phones,” he explained. This initiative not only boosts yields but also empowers farmers with knowledge, demonstrating how technology can drive inclusive growth.
Youth Empowerment and Innovation
A recurring theme in the discussion was the role of Africa’s youth in driving innovation. With a median age of 19, the continent’s young population represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Dr. Mshinda stressed the importance of shifting mindsets from job-seeking to job creation. “We need to nurture young innovators and entrepreneurs, not just train them to be employees,” he said. Initiatives like ICT incubation hubs are already fostering startups, but scaling up these efforts is crucial.
The Policy Gap
Both speakers agreed that policy frameworks are essential for harnessing the 4IR’s potential. Ambassador Mpungwe called for a national task force on the 4IR in Tanzania, similar to those established in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. “We need a policy framework that outlines strategies for education, infrastructure, and funding,” he said. Dr. Mshinda added that policymakers must be aware of the transformative power of technology to create an enabling environment for innovation.
Education and Digital Natives
The conversation also touched on the need to rethink education in the context of the 4IR. Dr. Mshinda shared a groundbreaking initiative in Tanzania where children in remote areas learned to read, write, and do arithmetic using digital tools—without a teacher. “These are digital natives. We need to adapt our education systems to their reality,” he said. This example highlights the potential of technology to bridge educational gaps and improve access to quality learning.
Blockchain and Beyond
Sandra Chako, a blockchain enthusiast and auditor, shared insights into how blockchain technology can address national challenges, such as land tenure security and transparency. “The cost of trying is much cheaper than the cost of not trying,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for experimentation and adoption of emerging technologies.
Hassan Mshinda Testimonial – World Health Summit 2012
Title: Bridging the Gap: Africa’s Health Challenges and Global Innovation
Introduction: In August 2013, the World Health Summit (WHS) YouTube channel released a powerful testimonial from Dr. Hassan Mshinda, Director of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology. Addressing an audience of over 6,370 subscribers, Dr. Mshinda shed light on Africa’s evolving health landscape and how global initiatives could offer solutions to the continent’s pressing health challenges.
The Double Burden of Disease in Africa: Dr. Mshinda began by highlighting the dual burden faced by African nations—both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise. While malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to plague many communities, NCDs such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes are emerging as significant threats. This shift is placing immense pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
“We do still have problems with infectious diseases, but we also start to face the problems of non-communicable diseases which are growing issues like cancer, hypertension, blood pressures—they are actually increasing,” Dr. Mshinda explained.
He emphasized that maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with many women dying during childbirth—a tragedy that should be preventable with adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Weak Health Systems and the Need for Strengthening: Beyond the disease burden, Dr. Mshinda pointed out that Africa’s health systems are often ill-equipped to handle these challenges. “Our health system is so weak; it cannot cope up in terms of delivering all these services which are needed,” he stated. The result is a double burden that leaves both patients and healthcare providers struggling to meet demand.
For Dr. Mshinda, this underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms and investments in healthcare infrastructure. He stressed that strengthening health systems must be a priority if Africa is to effectively manage both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The Role of the World Health Summit: One of the key takeaways from Dr. Mshinda’s participation in the WHS 2012 was the importance of collaboration between the private sector, academia, and policymakers. The summit provided a unique platform where these stakeholders could come together to discuss solutions to global health challenges.
“The World Health Summit is providing a platform for the private sector together with academia to be able to interact,” Dr. Mshinda noted. He highlighted the summit’s focus on both infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as its emphasis on the role of the private sector in driving innovation.
This collaborative approach resonated deeply with Dr. Mshinda, who saw it as an opportunity for Africa to tap into global innovations in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery. By engaging with leaders in the field, he believed that African countries could better understand how to access new treatments and technologies that could benefit their populations.
Accessing Global Innovations: A central theme of Dr. Mshinda’s testimony was the potential for Africa to benefit from global research and development efforts. He spoke about the importance of understanding the global initiatives aimed at sharing the benefits of medical research, particularly those involving the pharmaceutical industry.
“I came out with a decision… understanding the global initiatives of trying to see how we can benefit from the new innovations which are taking place in pharmaceutical industries,” he shared. For Dr. Mshinda, this meant exploring ways for African countries to access cutting-edge treatments and technologies that could improve healthcare outcomes.
He also emphasized the need for African nations to engage more actively in discussions around research contracts and benefit-sharing agreements. By doing so, he hoped that Tanzania and other African countries could negotiate better terms that would allow them to leverage global innovations for the benefit of their citizens.
Taking Action Back Home: Dr. Mshinda concluded his testimony by outlining his plans to apply the lessons learned at the WHS to the Tanzanian context. He expressed his intention to stay connected with participants from the summit and to work closely with local researchers, policymakers, and legal experts to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
“So I’ll keep in touch with the people who are going to participate in this meeting so that we can improve the facilities in Tanzania and the research institutions together with our youth, our lawyers, to see how we should maybe discuss different research contracts,” he said.
His commitment to bringing these insights back home reflects a broader vision for transforming Africa’s healthcare landscape—one that leverages global innovation while addressing the unique challenges faced by the continent.