HDIF project launched at COSTECH

By Sharifa Kalokola
The Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with the United
Kingdoms Department for International Fund (DFID) have launched the Human Development
Innovation Fund (HDIF) on 12
th
May.

The Human Development fund intends to support innovative approaches to improving the
quality, value for money and sustainability of basic services in the education, health and water
and sanitation sectors in Tanzania
The grant is worth Pounds 30 million (TZS 83,514,000,000) for five years. Around Pounds
400,000 will be granted in the first call for proposals that will be announced on 13
th
May 2014.
David McGinty, HDIF team leader said that projects that are viable, sustainable and have impact
are likely to win the funds.
Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal, the Tanzanian vice president was the guest of honour at the event.
He said that the new fund is an opportunity for youths to nurture their creative ideas.
Education, health, water and sanitation are inseparable entities and have big impact on
community livelihoods and wellbeing, the most formidable challenge rests on how to extend
these services and improve their quality. I believe that, this initiative will address these
challenges, he said.
The United Kingdom, through DFID has funded various projects in Tanzania including in the ICT
project M_PESA the transfer of funds using mobile phone technology that has transformed
financial management in East Africa.



From left to right; Dr Marshall Elliot,-Head of DFID Tanzania, Professor Makame Mbarawa-
Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, His Excellency Vice President Dr
Mohamed Gharib Bilal, Hassan Mshinda -Director General Commission for science and
technology and Mr David McGinty-HDIF Tanzania team leader.











Professor Makame Mbarawa, the Minister of Science and Technology said that Tanzania faces
the challenge of mobilizing financial resources to ensure delivery of quality and sustainable
service delivery in health, education and sanitation.



Dr HassanMshinda, COSTECHs director general said there is a need of innovation that can
improve health service, education and access to water.





Theophilus .Mlaki, COSTECHs former Director of Information and Documentation urged that
innovators should focus on a grass approach that addresses local needs.