South Africa, Tanzania deepen scientific alliance

The new agreement was signed during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s king Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in collaboration with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority.

The NRF's CEO, Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, and Amos Nungu, COSTECH's director general, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Portal ERP South Africa. 

The NRF and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and expand their scientific partnership. The signing took place during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA).

This new MoU establishes a strategic framework for enhanced cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including the social sciences and humanities. Rooted in principles of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit, it marks a significant milestone in a long-standing relationship that has fostered impactful collaboration between the two institutions.

Recognising the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) and strong STI systems in promoting the growth and competitiveness of national economies—and thereby improving the socio-economic standards of life in both countries—both research funders have agreed that the MoU will serve as a reflection of their mutual intention to cooperate, coordinate, and combine their resources, experience, and expertise to effectively execute their mandates.

“This partnership reaffirms the NRF’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence and innovation through strategic continental partnerships. With COSTECH, we are not only strengthening bilateral research cooperation but building shared capabilities that will benefit both our societies in areas critical to sustainable development,” said Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, Chief Executive Officer of the NRF.

The bilateral partnership between the NRF and COSTECH began in earnest following an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011. In 2012, the two organisations jointly launched a call for collaborative research proposals, resulting in the co-funding of 15 projects across priority areas such as health, ICT, palaeontology, nanomaterials, and agricultural value addition. This programme facilitated collaboration among 54 research institutions—including four outside Africa—and led to the training of 11 Doctoral and seven postdoctoral students, alongside 27 peer-reviewed publications. It also enabled mobility exchanges for over 30 researchers and academics.

A later review of the initiative highlighted four high-impact projects with strong potential for innovation and socio-economic benefit, which were subsequently recommended for scale-up through South Africa’s Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). This review underscored the importance of sustained investment in collaborative research to address national development priorities.

“This MoU reflects the spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose that defines the relationship between COSTECH and the NRF. Together, we are co-creating knowledge, advancing innovation, and jointly addressing the development challenges and opportunities that our countries and the broader region face,” said Dr Amos Nungu, Director General of COSTECH.

In addition to bilateral efforts, both the NRF and COSTECH are active partners in regional and multilateral initiatives. COSTECH hosts two O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs—at Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology—and has engaged in joint calls under programmes such as African–Japan Collaboration (AJ-CORE); Long-term Europe–Africa WEF Nexus (LEAWEF), and the COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund.

Tanzania also participates in the u’GOOD Research Programme, coordinated by the NRF and implemented in partnership with Foundation Botnar and the Human Sciences Research Council. Tanzanian researchers are leading and contributing to projects that explore the relational well-being of young people in urban contexts across thematic areas including climate change, digital transformation, livelihoods, and mental health.

Furthermore, both NRF and COSTECH play an active role in the Global Research Council through participation in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pilot Initiative and contributing to its governance structures.

Through this renewed partnership, the NRF and COSTECH aim to build on past successes and deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The MoU provides a platform to co-develop programmes that enhance research excellence, support innovation ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.