Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel and H.E. Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi (right). Photo: Malin Planting
From left: Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Relations Ylva Hillbur, H.E. Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi and Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel. Photo: Malin Planting
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Representatives from the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Sweden visited SLU to exchange experiences and ideas in agricultural research, education and capacity development.
The delegation included H.E. Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi (appointed Ambassador in June 2025), and Counselor Abel Maganya. They were received by Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel, Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Relations Ylva Hillbur, and Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global.
The meeting was arranged at the request of the Embassy, which expressed an interest in gaining further insight into the university’s work and to discuss possibilities for future exchange.
Long-standing partnership in agriculture
Both parties highlighted the long and valuable collaboration between SLU and Tanzanian universities, research institutes and organisations. Over the years, this partnership has included joint research projects, doctoral training, institutional capacity building and knowledge exchange in areas such as sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and food security.
Maria Knutsson Wedel emphasised that the cooperation with Tanzania has been both extensive and mutually beneficial, contributing to scientific development as well as practical solutions for agricultural systems in East Africa. She also expressed the university’s overall appreciation for the strong relationships built with Tanzanian partners over time.
During the meeting, a positive discussion on the importance of science for development took place, and that modernisation and commercialisation of agriculture is an important part of Tanzania's national strategy. Digitalisation, plant breeding, water resources management and resilience to climate change and other crises were among the issues discussed.
The meeting emphasised the importance, and possibilities, of sustaining strong academic partnerships in times of change.
Looking ahead
The visit concluded with a joint discussion on how the Embassy and SLU can further strengthen ties, facilitate institutional contacts and support ongoing and future projects. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to advancing agricultural research and innovation that contributes to sustainable development and food systems resilience.
Background
SLU is actively engaged in partnerships with several universities and other organisations in Tanzania. While Sida provides part of the funding, there are also other funders, including research councils.
The long-standing Swedish bilateral research cooperation with Tanzania has included for example agribusiness and sustainable development; sustainable agricultural productivity, processing and value chains to enhance food security in Tanzania; informality and habitation in the context of a changing urban landscape; and alternative urban planning models for small towns in Tanzania.
Currently, SLU and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) cooperates for increased research capacity in several areas:
👉Sustainable Agricultural Production and Value Addition for Enhancing Food Security in Tanzania (Food security),
👉Engendering Agribusiness Rural Entrepreneurship (ENGAGE)
There are also smaller components within interdisciplinary molecular biosciences and marine sciences.
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