Tanzania’s Progress in Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
Tanzania is making significant strides in developing a knowledge-based economy, particularly through the establishment and expansion of its Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISC) network. This initiative has become a key driver for promoting innovation, raising awareness about intellectual property (IP), and facilitating technology transfer across the country.
Dr Erasto Mlyuka, the Technology Management and Transfer Manager at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), highlighted the achievements of the TISC network in recent discussions. According to him, the TISC program plays a crucial role in fostering research and innovation commercialization, especially in IP-driven activities. Over 50 institutions are now part of this network, including universities, research and development centers, technology hubs, and government agencies.
These efforts aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and market-driven solutions, ensuring that research outputs can be effectively commercialized. Dr Mlyuka, who also serves as the national TISC focal point, mentioned that since the network was established in 2015, it has hosted 23 capacity-building events focused on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and innovation.
He noted that although the agreement was signed nearly a decade ago, real momentum has only been seen in the past three years. “People have developed a better understanding, and we are now on the right track,” he said.
The TISC network aligns with Tanzania’s broader IP strategy, which aims to position the country as an African IP powerhouse. This initiative directly supports the national vision by strengthening institutional IP capacity, fostering innovation, and embedding IP within the country’s development agenda.
Strategic Collaborations and Institutional Engagement
To achieve these goals, the formal TISC network involves active engagement with key ministries and agencies, such as the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and COSTECH. These collaborations are aimed at establishing an inter-ministerial network of IP specialists that promotes policy coherence, shared infrastructure, and joint implementation frameworks.
Moreover, the network leverages the TISC Project and Performance Management Platform (TPPM) to standardize data collection, monitor international performance, and feed national IP intelligence into regional and global systems like the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This coordinated model is expected to enhance national innovation outcomes, support the commercialization of research, and position Tanzania as a regional leader in IP-driven development.
Public Awareness and Innovation Support
So far, the TISC network has conducted 12 nationwide public awareness campaigns to improve general understanding and appreciation of IP in fostering innovation. These initiatives have been supported by targeted advisory sessions on patent searching, filing, and IPR protection, empowering local innovators and researchers.
Additionally, the network has facilitated the filing of 41 patent applications and identified 63 intellectual assets with potential for industrial IP protection. These achievements reflect the growing recognition of IP as a driver of innovation and economic transformation in Tanzania.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
Despite these successes, challenges remain, including limited skilled personnel, infrastructure constraints, and low public awareness of IP. To address these issues, continuous capacity building, strategic partnerships, and enhanced resource mobilization are being explored.
Innovative financing models involving both government and private sector investment are also being considered to ensure the sustainability of the TISC program. The TISC initiative was launched regionally in Africa around 2013 to support innovation and intellectual property development. Tanzania began implementing the program after signing the agreement in 2015.
