On 18^th June 2025, the European Union (EU) officially handed over advanced laboratory equipment to the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) at the national standards body Headquarters in Dar es Salaam.

The event marked a key milestone in the implementation of the QUALITAN Project, which has a total budget of TZS 21.5 Billion (EUR 7 M) and is a component of a wider EU-funded project called “BEGIN” (TZS 70.7 B - EUR 23 M) which has focused on improving the Tanzanian business environment, growth and innovation. 

Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),   the QUALITAN project aims to strengthen the national quality infrastructure by improving laboratories, building institutional capacity, promoting digital innovation, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Out of the total budget, TZS 5.2 Billion (EUR 1.7M) was specifically allocated for the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment, which has now been delivered and formally handed over to TBS.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Sempeho Nyari who delivered the speech on behalf of the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Dr. Selemani Jafo (MP), described the ceremony as a powerful demonstration of the Government’s resolve to promote quality, safety, and industrial growth.

“What we are witnessing today is not just the delivery of equipment it is a symbol of transformation,” Nyari said.
“The QUALITAN Project aligns with our national vision to build an industrial economy that is globally competitive, environmentally responsible, and rooted in product safety and compliance.”

During the ceremony, the Director General of TBS, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, highlighted several key achievements under the QUALITAN Project:

• Installation of 38 state-of-the-art equipment in Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Electrical, and Metrology laboratories

• Training of over 300 TBS technical staff in international standards (ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, 17043)

• Capacity building for 988 MSMEs across 10 regions in Good Manufacturing Practices, certification, and market readiness

• Digital innovation, including development of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), an online standards webstore, and a QR-code traceability app

• Strengthening of Viwango Academy, TBS’s training centre, through training equipment and methodology

• International exposure through benchmarking visits to SABS (South Africa) QCAP (Egypt) and Namibia

In her remarks, EU Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Amb. Christine Grau, said 

“The EU is proud to support Tanzania in strengthening its national quality infrastructure. By providing state of the art equipment to TBS, the EU is complementing efforts of the Tanzanian Government in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of goods manufactured in Tanzania, which enables them to gain better access to global markets – including the EU.” 

UNIDO Representative, Mr. Lorence Ansermet, praised the strong cooperation between all parties and emphasized UNIDO’s role in aligning technical assistance with national development priorities.

The Chairman of the TBS Board of Directors, Prof. Othman C. Othman, acknowledged the role of effective governance and policy in ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

The event also included a statement from the Director of Business Environment President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Baraka Aligaesha who said the equipment being handed over today will significantly strengthen TBS's capacity to meet international obligations such as accreditation, certification, and testing while also enhancing consumer protection, boosting exports, and improving Tanzania's position in the global trade system, where women and youth are active participants. He also thanked the European Union for their generous support and UNIDO for their continued technical assistance and collaboration

The ceremony concluded with a call for continued collaboration among institutions, development partners, and the private sector to ensure Tanzania’s quality infrastructure remains a strong pillar for trade, health, and economic progress.

“Let today’s event be a stepping stone toward deeper cooperation and shared responsibility in building a future where standards drive development, and excellence defines our industries,” concluded Mr. Nyari.

The ceremony included:

• A guided laboratory tour

• Symbolic unveiling and handing over of equipment

• Keynote speeches from stakeholders

• Media interviews and a networking session