DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has unveiled plans to increase the number of hospitals using nuclear technology from three to between six and nine as the country expands its application in healthcare, agriculture and preparations for nuclear power generation.
Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) Director-General and Women in Nuclear Tanzania President Professor Najat Mohamed said the expansion will strengthen the use of nuclear science in improving healthcare services.
Speaking during the Russia-Africa Women’s Forum in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, she said Tanzania has also made progress in agriculture, where nuclear technology is being used to develop improved crop varieties, including rice varieties recognised internationally.
She said the country is now in the early stages of preparing for nuclear power generation, with a committee coordinating the necessary groundwork and preparations.
According to the Professor, the process will involve scrutiny by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with an initial review expected in May 2027.
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“The planned assessment will form part of the preparatory process as Tanzania explores the potential use of nuclear energy for electricity generation,” she stated.
Elaborating more about the forum, Professor Najat said the forum brought together participants from eight African countries, including Egypt, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Rwanda, to discuss different applications of nuclear science and technology.
“The discussions will cover nuclear medicine, nuclear energy and other applications, with experts from Tanzanian universities and government ministries expected to share their knowledge and experiences,” she noted.
She said the meeting that also involved female students from Chang’ombe Secondary School, aims at giving young learners an opportunity to engage with experts and gain exposure to scientific careers.
“We have experts and those we are preparing to become the scientists of tomorrow,” she said.
Professor Mohamed said involving students alongside experienced professionals is vital in nurturing the next generation of scientists, particularly girls interested in nuclear science and technology.
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