Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has pledged to continue working with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to develop research and innovation in the country to provide answers to the various challenges facing the Tanzanian society.

This was stated by Simon Shayo, the Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs (Africa) at AngloGold Ashanti, of which GGML is a subsidiary, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 9th Research and Innovation Week at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

GGML was one of the main sponsors of the Research and Innovation Week, which featured 306 projects.

He not only congratulated UDSM for declaring last week as Research and Innovation Week, but also promised that GGML will continue to sponsor the event to encourage more research and innovation projects in the country.

"We think we should continue to be partners in this because we believe that no country in the world has made a big step forward without focusing on research and innovation. The countries we had 20 or 25 years ago like Malaysia, Singapore and others have invested more in research and innovation, that's why we see the steps they have taken.

"That's why we as a mining company believe that our presence in this country for close to 25 years, are part of the National Development Plan 2025 and we believe that we will be part of the National Development Vision 2050, that's why we will continue to work with you as partners in future similar events," he said.

He also urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities for research and learning, especially considering that the results of these innovations are used in various fields, including the mining sector.

He said in order to develop the talents of the graduates and enhance their experience in their professions, GGML takes in 50 graduates from various colleges in the country every year and provides them with one year's training.

He said the graduates, 50 per cent of whom are women, are given experience in various areas of the mining sector.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Franklin Rwezimula, apart from congratulating GGML for sponsoring the celebration, also called for widening the scope of the Research and Innovation Week by involving research partners whose research is registered and has a relationship with various academic departments.

"The results of research conducted by various universities in the country, including the University of Dar es Salaam, have been an important reference in the implementation of various national, regional and international policies, plans and strategies related to research and creativity.

"This event provides a good platform to encourage a generation of young and budding academics to engage in research and innovation that respond to economic and social challenges in our country and the world at large," he said.

He said that if universities in Tanzania showcase their academic work and research results to the public, they will influence the government and the labour market, improve the existing relationship between universities and employers and donors, and ultimately create opportunities for collaboration within and outside the country. 

On his part, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface thanked GGML for making the Research and Innovation Week a success, with staff and students participating in showcasing their various research and innovation activities and projects at the appropriate level. 

The Research and Innovation Week is a key university platform for promoting research and innovation through dissemination, stakeholder engagement and public awareness of important initiatives, activities and impact of the University’s research and innovation. The theme this year was Fostering Research and Innovation through University-Industry Partnerships.