By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) has urged graduates of the Nelson Mandela African
Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) to become innovators,
entrepreneurs and job creators as Tanzania works towards building a
knowledge-based economy.
Speaking at the 10th NM-AIST
Convocation Ceremony, UNDP Country Representative in Tanzania, Shigeki
Komatsubara, commended the institution for its pan-African approach and
commitment to research, innovation and commercialisation.
He described NM-AIST as an
important institution for Tanzania and the wider African continent,
highlighting its contribution to developing high-level talent and advancing
solutions to societal challenges.
Komatsubara encouraged the
graduates to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to create opportunities
rather than relying solely on the search for existing employment.
He said Africa’s development
would increasingly depend on locally driven research, technology and
innovation, calling on the graduates to apply their passion and ingenuity to
developing solutions and creating the jobs of the future.
The UNDP representative also
reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with NM-AIST and supporting
its continued development.
He encouraged the
institution to build on its achievements and grow into a globally recognised
centre for science, technology and innovation with impact across Tanzania,
Africa and the wider world.
The call comes as African
institutions place growing emphasis on innovation, research commercialisation
and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic transformation and job
creation.
