ARUSHA: THE Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (EASTC) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen research, innovation and the use of statistics in measuring development progress.
Speaking in Arusha over the weekend, NM-AIST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Maulilio Kipanyula said the partnership will combine the institution’s expertise in science, technology and innovation with EASTC’s specialisation in statistics to develop evidence-based solutions to societal challenges.
Prof Kipanyula said NM-AIST generates knowledge and innovations to address challenges facing society, adding that cooperation with EASTC will help ensure that technologies are developed and applied using reliable statistical evidence.
“We need to build a nation that uses knowledge, science, technology and innovation to increase productivity and improve the lives of Tanzanians. Statistics and research are important components in achieving that goal,” he said.
He said the agreement will also enable experts and students from both institutions to exchange knowledge, conduct joint research and develop solutions that respond to communities’ needs.
EASTC Principal, Prof Tumaini Katunzi, said statistics are essential for measuring development progress and evaluating the implementation of national plans.
He said the partnership will combine EASTC’s statistical expertise with NM-AIST’s strengths in science, technology and innovation, strengthening research’s contribution to national development.
“The agreement covers several areas, including collaboration in teaching and research, as well as supporting the country in measuring development progress and evaluating the implementation of its plans,” he said.
Prof Katunzi said implementing national development plans and achieving the country’s vision requires reliable statistics to assess progress and identify areas needing improvement.
He noted that without accurate data, it is difficult to establish whether set targets have been achieved. The partnership, he added, will strengthen the use of statistical evidence in decision-making and development planning.
“For example, as our country implements its development vision, statistics are needed to measure progress. EASTC will contribute its expertise in statistics to help the country assess implementation,” he said.
Prof Katunzi said the agreement will also enable experts and researchers from both institutions to collaborate, exchange knowledge and produce studies addressing development challenges.
He added that applying statistics in research and decision-making will help ensure development plans are measurable and evaluated using credible evidence rather than remaining on paper.