TANZANIA – The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has received a major equipment upgrade at its headquarters in Dar es Salaam following the official handover of advanced laboratory tools from the European Union (EU).
The delivery forms part of the QUALITAN Project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at improving Tanzania’s national quality infrastructure to support trade, industrialization, and consumer safety.
With a budget of TZS 21.5 billion (US$ 8.1M), the QUALITAN Project is a component of the larger Business Environment, Growth and Innovation (BEGIN) program, which totals TZS 70.7 billion (US$ 26.7M).
The QUALITAN Project is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and aligns with national development priorities that emphasize industrial growth, food safety, and international standards compliance.
Of the total QUALITAN budget, TZS 5.2 billion (US$2M) was allocated specifically for advanced laboratory equipment. The equipment has now been installed in laboratories covering Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Electrical, and Metrology disciplines.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo (MP), Mr. Sempeho Nyari described the event as “a symbol of transformation” and noted that it aligns with the national vision of fostering a globally competitive and product-safe industrial economy.
Capacity expansion and digital tools
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Dr. Selemani Jafo, Mr. Sempeho Nyari emphasized that the new equipment represents more than technical support, it is a platform for transformation.
“The QUALITAN Project aligns with our national vision to build an industrial economy that is globally competitive, environmentally responsible, and rooted in product safety and compliance,” he said.
The Director General of TBS, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, shared updates on the project’s outputs, which include the installation of 38 new laboratory instruments and the training of over 300 technical staff in international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, and 17043.
She also noted the development of key digital tools such as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), a QR-code traceability app, and an online webstore for accessing standards.
The Viwango Academy, TBS’s internal training hub, received upgraded learning resources and instructional tools.
More than 980 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across 10 regions have also benefited from training in Good Manufacturing Practices, certification, and market readiness.
EU, UNIDO, and government support
In her remarks, EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, stated that the provision of laboratory equipment was designed to complement Tanzania’s efforts in upgrading its manufacturing competitiveness and regulatory capability.
“By providing state-of-the-art equipment to TBS, the EU is complementing the Tanzanian Government’s efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of goods manufactured in Tanzania,” said Grau.
“This is essential for accessing regional and international markets, including the EU.”
UNIDO Representative Mr. Lorence Ansermet highlighted the alignment of technical support with national development goals and praised the long-standing cooperation between Tanzanian institutions, UNIDO, and the EU.
Prof. Othman C. Othman, Chairman of the TBS Board of Directors, noted that effective governance remains critical to project implementation.
He was joined by Baraka Aligaesha from the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, who stressed the role of modern equipment in enhancing accreditation, certification, testing, and consumer protection.
Aligaesha also underlined how improvements in standards infrastructure could promote inclusion by supporting women and youth in Tanzania’s export economy.
Food Safety Emergency Response Plan
This equipment handover closely follows the launch of Tanzania’s Food Safety Emergency Response Plan, which was unveiled during the World Food Safety Day observance.
The plan is designed to enable a more coordinated and rapid national response to food safety emergencies.