University of Dar es Salaam makes strides in Innovations by Young People

3rd September 2022

The College of Information and Communication Technology at University of Dar es Salaam is developing one of a growing number of initiatives within the ARUA network to provide opportunities for young people to develop digital solutions to development challenges

The Y4C Innovation Hub is a training and innovation space located at the College and invests in open innovation to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and other national development goals. It is deemed to be very successful in the number of initiatives it has developed for young people to develop various apps and prototypes for uptake by industry.

The success of this initiative came to light when the Secretary-General of ARUA, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, visited the Y4C Innovation Hub on Thursday, 1st September during a visit to University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). Accompanied by Dr. Matthew Senga, Research Grants Coordinator, the Secretary- General was shown around a number of programmes including the Swash Competition App and others. The Secretary-General shared with the young innovators and their tutors ARUA’s commitment to the SDGs. He was therefore happy with the input coming from UDSM through the Y4C initiative.

Professor Ernest Aryeetey receives University souvenir from Professor Bernadata Killian, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), University of Dar es Salaam

Professor Ernest Aryeetey in a group picture with staff and students at Y4C Innovation Hub

The Secretary-General also met with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and other members of the senior management of UDSM to discuss various matters related to ARUA’s development. They discussed the ARUA Strategic Plan and Carnegie-sponsored data-gathering and benchmarking project. The leadership of UDSM committed to working to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan.