0%

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

By: Eng Katepa

On: November 5, 2025

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha is one in a network of Pan-African Institutions of Science and Technology, located across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

These institutions, which are the proud brainchild of the late Nelson Mandela, envision training and developing the next generation of African scientists and engineers with a view to profoundly impacting the continent’s development through the application of Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI).

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), accredited by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), is being developed into a world-class research-intensive institution for postgraduate and post-doc studies and research in SETI.

The training in SETI, however, incorporates appreciable doses of relevant business studies and humanities ingredients.

Thus, the training curriculum also incorporates strong innovation and entrepreneurship features, and hence, strong academia-industry relations are part of the NM-AIST’s development agenda.

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology’s curriculum also seeks to accommodate, enable, stimulate and catalyse the innovation and entrepreneurship qualities inherent in the Y-generation for the benefit of SSA’s sustainable development.

Vision and Mission

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has the following Vision and Mission:

  • Vision: The Vision of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) is to become a world-class institution of higher learning dedicated to the pursuit and promotion of excellence in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI), and their applications for economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.
  • Mission: The Mission is to deliver and promote high-quality and internationally competitive teaching and learning, research and innovation, and public service in Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI), leveraging on entrepreneurship for enhanced value addition to people and natural resources, with a view to stimulating, catalysing and promoting economic growth and sustainable development in the United Republic of Tanzania and SSA.

Academic Programs at Nelson Mandela African Institution

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) is divided into the following schools:

1. School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering (LiSBE)

The School is equipped with laboratories and learning facilities, as well as a world-class faculty, all of which contribute to its premium position and respect in SSA, particularly in offering highly specialised, research-intensive postgraduate (Master’s, PhD) degrees and Postdoctoral research associateships.

The School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering offers a diverse range of Master’s and Doctoral programs. These include:

  • Master’s of Molecular Biomedical Engineering (BioE)
  • Master’s of Science in Health and Biomedical Sciences (MHBS)
  • Master’s of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management (BiEM)
  • Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HuND)
  • Master’s of Science in Food Science and Biotechnology (FoBS)
  • Master’s of Science in Sustainable Agriculture (SuAg)
  • Master’s of Science in Public Health Research (PHR)
  • PhD in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management (BiEM)
  • PhD in Health and Biomedical Sciences (MHBS)
  • PhD in Sustainable Agriculture (SuAg)
  • PhD in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HuND)
  • PhD in Food Science and Biotechnology (FoBS)

2. School of Computational and Communication Science and Engineering (CoCSE)

School of Computational and Communication Science and Engineering (CoCSE) offer the following Master’s and Doctoral programs:

  • Master’s in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science (AMCS)
  • Master’s of Science in Embedded and Mobile Systems (EMoS)
  • Master’s in Information and Communication Systems Engineering (ICSE)
  • Master’s of Information Systems and Network Security (ISNS)
  • Master’s of Mobile Computing (MobC)
  • PhD in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science (AMCS)
  • PhD in Information and Communication Systems Engineering (ICSE)

3. School of Materials, Energy, Water, and Environmental Sciences (MEWES)

The School boasts of high-quality and innovative programmes being administered at Tengeru Campus. The School offer the following programs:

  • Master’s of Science in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering (SESE)
  • Master’s of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MaSE)
  • Master’s of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering (EnSE)
  • Master’s of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering (MSc HWRE)
  • PhD in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering (SESE)
  • PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (MaSE)
  • PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering (EnSE)
  • PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering (HWRE)

4. School of Business Studies and Humanities (BuSH)

The School of BuSH embraces the Institution’s motto of “Academia for Society and Industry” through Teaching, Research, Outreach, Innovation and Commercialisation.

The school offer the following programs:

  • Master’s of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management (IEM)
  • PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management (IEM)

Research and Innovation

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) places a strong emphasis on research, aiming to contribute to global knowledge while addressing local challenges.

Faculty members and students engage in research across various fields, including sustainable development and indigenous knowledge systems.

The institute encourages collaboration with national and international institutions, fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence.

International Collaboration

Recognising the importance of global perspectives, NM-AIST has established partnerships with universities and organisations worldwide.

These collaborations facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and international conferences.

Such initiatives enrich the academic experience at NM-AIST and enhance its standing as a globally connected institution.

How To Apply For Admission

I’m here to help you with your query about how to apply to The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) for admission.

NM-AIST has its own application process, requirements, and deadlines, so you will need to check their website and follow their instructions carefully.

The following are the official websites that you can visit for more information:

Admission Requirement

Conclusion

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) is a public institution located in Arusha, a city in northern Tanzania.

As stated above, it forms a part of the network of Pan-African Institutes of Science and Technology spread across the continent.

Join the conversation by replying on Bluesky.

That’s all.

If you liked this article, please join Website For Engineers on Twitter, Facebook, TrueSocial, Pinterest, BlueSky, and in our WhatsApp channels.

Eng Katepa

I am a Civil Engineer with a strong interest in sustainable structural design and construction project management. As a Registered Engineer, I adhere to the principles of Professional ethics, safety, and technical excellence.

Join WhatsApp

Join Now

Join Facebook

Join Now

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.