DAR ES SALAAM — Greater private-sector investment in biotechnology research and commercialisation could create opportunities for Tanzanian businesses supplying agricultural inputs, animal-health products and other technologies designed to improve productivity.
Tanzanian veterinary scientist and academic Professor Peter Msolla has called for stronger investment in research and innovation, including technologies that address local agricultural and livestock challenges. Areas highlighted include drought-tolerant maize, disease-resistant cassava, bananas and coffee, improved livestock genetics, animal vaccines, biofertilisers and biopesticides.
For businesses, the potential extends from research partnerships and production to distribution, testing and technical support. Locally relevant technologies could help farmers address crop losses, improve livestock health and manage production costs.
However, turning research into commercially viable products requires more than scientific discovery. Developers need funding, testing facilities, regulatory approval where required, manufacturing capacity and distribution networks that reach farmers and other customers.
Businesses considering this sector must also evaluate demand, affordability and the practical conditions in which products will be used. New technologies need to demonstrate that they work reliably and offer value to customers.
The opportunity is to build stronger links between research institutions and commercial enterprises so that innovations can move from laboratories into useful, appropriately regulated products and services.
