Tanzania’s Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called for intensified scientific research into the country’s medicinal plants, aiming to develop safe and proven treatments from its natural resources. Speaking at the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week in Tanga, Nchemba emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the health and education sectors, as well as research institutions, to ensure traditional remedies undergo proper testing and certification.
Nchemba highlighted Tanzania’s rich biodiversity, noting that many plants have long been used in traditional medicine and are increasingly being validated through scientific studies. "Our ancestors used medicinal plants to treat various diseases, and through scientific research we are continuing to discover that some of these plants have the potential to be used as treatment," he said. He cited research presented by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), where scientists showcased products believed to help treat prostate conditions.
The Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to work closely with the Ministry of Health and research institutions to subject such products to rigorous scientific evaluation. This process, he said, would establish their safety, effectiveness, and quality while creating opportunities for local manufacturing for both domestic use and export. Nchemba also warned against the promotion of unverified medicines, stressing that patients could be misled into using products without proven safety or efficacy.
"Let us follow all the research procedures and establish evidence at every level, while obtaining the required certification so that these medicines can be safely used," he said. Nchemba also called for a review of the terminology used to describe medicines derived from plants, questioning why such products should continue to be labelled as "traditional medicine" if they have undergone modern laboratory and industrial processes. "If it has gone through laboratory processes, passed all the required approvals and has been scientifically proven, it should be recognised as a medicine from Tanzania," he said.
He pointed out that many globally produced medicines are plant based, arguing that the source of raw materials should not determine whether a product is classified as traditional or modern. Regions such as Tanga, Tabora, and Singida, he noted, are rich in medicinal plants that could serve as valuable raw materials for pharmaceutical research and production if properly developed.
Nchemba urged researchers, universities, and relevant institutions to collaborate in transforming traditional knowledge into scientifically validated medicines that meet national and international standards. He said this would boost confidence in locally developed medicines, reduce reliance on unverified products, and create opportunities for Tanzania to manufacture and export pharmaceutical products derived from its natural resources.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Caroline Nombo, said the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week provided a platform for public and private stakeholders to showcase innovations addressing economic and social challenges. This year’s event attracted about 90 institutions, which presented technologies and products aimed at tackling various issues. The week also included the National Science, Technology and Innovation Competition (MAKISATU), where five winners were selected for further development and market entry support.
Additionally, WorldSkills Tanzania competitions involved students from technical and vocational institutions in fields such as electrical installation, mechanical engineering, IoT, welding, and tailoring, with top performers set to represent the country internationally. A three day conference discussed key issues in education, science, and innovation, with recommendations to be compiled into a Technical White Paper for government consideration. Workshops on intellectual property were also held to help innovators protect and commercialise their technologies.
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