TIGO and UDSM to strengthen academia-industry linkage
By Special Correspondent, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam and Tigo Tanzania have agreed to collaborate on specific areas aimed at fostering innovation and national development.
This was revealed at a talk between the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. Nelson Boniface, when he paid a courtesy call to the Tigo's Interim CEO Jerome Albou at Tigo Company Headquarters in Dar es Salaam on 18 July 2024.
They underscored the importance of renewing the longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities and affirmed their commitments on enhancing the embedded innovation and development initiatives.
Prof. Boniface highlighted the University of Dar es Salaam’s resolve to forge linkages with industry, especially in supporting aspects such as innovation, research and employability.
Mr. Jerome Albou reiterated Tigo's dedication to supporting education initiatives in Tanzania, noting their plans to deliver public lectures at UDSM. “This initiative is aimed at promoting intellectual growth among students and strengthening educational ties between the university and the industry”.
In this meeting, the two parties also celebrated the achievements of UDSM graduates currently placed at Tigo, whose performance in data analysis and budget control, among others, was outstanding.
“This indeed underlines the tangible benefits of practical training and industry exposure provided by Tigo to university graduates”, said Prof. Boniface.
A future marked by innovation and knowledge exchange
“Looking forward, UDSM and Tigo envision a future marked by innovation, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth”, said Prof. Neema Mori, UDSM Director of Public Service, who accompanied Prof. Boniface.
Prof. Mori further said that the collaboration between the two organisations not only aimed to strengthen the bond between academia and industry but also sought to drive transformative advancements that benefit Tanzania as a whole.
Prof. Boniface and his entourage had an opportunity to visit Tigo's advanced technology infrastructure, including the Salasala Data Centre – further solidifying the two organisations’ partnership and setting the stage for future collaborative endeavours aimed at advancing education and socio-economic development in Tanzania.