Distinguished speakers and course participants,Ladies and GentlemenHabari za asubuhi, nina furaha kuwa hapa…My apologies for not doing the appropriate thing, continue talking to you in Swahili. I wish that when I have spent more time in your country I can do better than this.Thanks to the UDSM, and in particular the College of Engineering and Technology for inviting the Swedish Embassy to grace the opening of the 2nd Training Course on the Development of Innovation Systems and Clusters. I as their representative but also in my own right am very pleased and honoured. Since I arrived in Tanzania only three weeks ago, I am very happy to make here, on this occasion, my first official statement as the first Programme Officer for Higher Education and Research that the Swedish Cooperation Agency, Sida, has sent out to the field, in this case Tanzania.Sweden has for long been a very committed partner to Tanzania in the development of all levels of the educational system, including Research, Science& Technology. An important endeavour has been the support to the development of innovation systems and clusters. The successful launching of 8 cluster initiatives, the running of a 1st training course, and the demand for a second one, illustrate the interest and belief that Tanzania and the UDSM have on science and technology as one of the best tool for development. But also illustrate a good working relationship between the UDSM, and in particular the CoET and the Swedish cooperation. The college has heralded the initiative towards the development of innovation systems and clusters in East Africa. Sweden, as a cooperation partner, has a pride in contributing to these activities.
Over the past two decades, it has become increasingly clear that an effective national system of innovation is required if a country is to harness the potential offered by modern science and technology to its social and economic needs. The UN Millennium Report “Investing in Development” presented by the UN Secretary general Kofi Anan on January 2005 asserts that the long-term driving force of modern economic growth has been science-based technological advance. The same report introduces S & T for development as encompassing a range of activities that bear on poverty eradication.
Now, more than ever, fighting poverty is a global priority. To fight poverty, we need science. As well as being about discovery and centres of excellence, science is also about sharing that knowledge, having the means to turn an idea into something tangible, and above all in training people to make sure that we can apply the science.
Africa is teeming with possibilities. Your continent has abundant natural, human and creative resources to sustain itself. Science and technology capacity building efforts should enable Africa to stand on her own feet. Every one and each of you, the trainees and participants of this course, play a role in the eradication of poverty from your country, the continent, and the world. Take this opportunity, Tanzania development is on your hands.
Asante Sana, Thank You,