During Academy Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) session held in Tanzania (Arusha) early this month, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and technology (NM-AIST) and The East African Business Council (EABC) asked for additional funding to help investors drive Africa’s sustainable economic development.
The APPPF that was held at Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha regional Commissioner John Mongella elaborated that proper education, innovation and partnership with the private sector are central to attaining the vision.
“The APPPF is set to enable Tanzania and East Africa to respond better to emerging challenges such as climate change and drive sustainable economic growth and competitiveness,” said Mongella.
The Academic Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) & Exhibition showcased over 20 innovative solutions that are ready for commercialization.
The East African Business Council CEO said that the innovation will exceed Africa borders and give another form to the East African Future.
“The innovations can be scaled beyond Africa and shape East Africa’s future,” said John Bosco Kalisa the East African Business Council CEO.
Speaking at the Forum, the NM-AIST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Luoga said that APPP is very important in advocating Innovation and Research for Industrial development.
“NM-AIST encourages Public-Private Partnership, as stressed in our new cooperative strategic plan, which aims to strengthen Academic Public-Private Partnership and outreach programmes to increase awareness of inventions and innovations.”
Ms. Judith Lubuva Arusha Region KCB Bank Branch Manager, said KCB Bank Tanzania is committed to driving sustainable development in East Africa by offering digital financial solutions to ease access to finance to innovators, women, SMEs and corporates.
She elaborated that KCB Bank “Tujiajiri Program” has trained youth and innovative startups in business planning, marketing and financial management.
