The Second Innovation Week Summit at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), held on 27 February 2026, marked a defining moment for Tanzania’s healthcare innovation journey. Under the theme “Advancing Innovation in Healthcare: Nurturing, Connecting and Protecting Solutions for Better Health,” the event brought together government leaders, academics, innovators, students, regulators, development partners, and private sector players to shape the future of health innovation.
In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Appolinary Kamuhawa highlighted MUHAS’s transformation of innovation from a mere idea into a fully functional ecosystem, supporting everything from research and idea generation to intellectual property protection, commercialization, and real-world impact.
He also acknowledged Dr. Hussein Mohamed Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, for affirming the Government’s commitment to innovation and higher education as drivers of national development.
The Guest of Honour, in his closing address, praised MUHAS for its leadership in education, research, and innovation, noting its rising international recognition in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. He stressed that innovation in healthcare is now essential for addressing local challenges.
The Summit emphasized intellectual property protection, strong partnerships, and youth engagement, recognizing students and young innovators as Tanzania’s greatest asset. It featured the launch of academic books by Prof. David Ngassapa, highlighting the role of knowledge in sustainable innovation.
Practical innovations such as Afya Lead, Pona Health, May Care, and Saratani AI showcased how university-based ideas can translate into real healthcare solutions. Despite challenges in financing and commercialization, MUHAS reaffirmed its support through partnerships, including funding from Sida and collaboration with the CRDB Foundation.
The Summit concluded with the endorsement of MUHAS’s revised Innovation Policy, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing healthcare and national development through innovation.