oThe Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is a parastatal organization affiliated with the government of Tanzania. COSTECH was created by an act of the National Assembly of Tanzania in 1986 as a successor to the Tanzania National Scientific Research Council. The commission was a subsidiary institution to the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST) and is now a subsidiary institution to the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. COSTECH's main offices are located in Dar es Salaam.
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The function of COSTECH is that of "co-ordinating and promoting research and technology development activities in the country." COSTECH is the "chief advisor to the Government on all matters pertaining to science and technology and their application to the socio-economic development of the country." Government-funded science activity in the country is governed by the commission, and its duties include the administration of research grants, maintenance of research registry and science information services, setting research policy, and creating incentives for invention and innovation. Areas of activity include the Internet, biotechnology, energy, telecommunications, the development of multimedia teaching material, and more.
COSTECH works with corporations, universities, and other parastatals, including the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization and the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development and Environment Organization.
COSTECH is currently led by Dr. Hassan Mshinda, who formerly served as Director General of the Ifakara Health Institute.
Research & Governmental Organizations
In addition to numerous collaborating organizations, sister subsidiary institutions of COSTECH under the MCST include: