THE NELSON MANDELA AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Their core work

NM-AIST is a postgraduate research university in Arusha, Tanzania, focused on applied science and technology for East African development. In H2020, their work centers on sustainable agriculture — improving farming systems, recovering degraded land, managing pests, and strengthening value chains for traditional crops in East and West Africa. They also contribute expertise in water quality and environmental monitoring, particularly fluoride contamination in the East African Rift Valley. Their role bridges African field knowledge with European research methodologies.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NM-AIST's early H2020 involvement (2015-2017) focused on environmental monitoring and analytical methods — isotope-based sediment assessment and water quality research. By 2020, their focus shifted decisively toward agricultural sustainability, with EWA-BELT covering farming systems, traditional crops, land recovery, and pest management. This evolution shows a move from environmental science support roles toward applied agricultural research with direct food security impact.

NM-AIST is moving toward applied agricultural research connecting African farming knowledge with European sustainability frameworks — expect continued focus on food security and land use.

How they like to work

NM-AIST joins consortia as a participant or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. With 37 unique partners across 15 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia. This suggests they are valued as an African field partner bringing local knowledge and research infrastructure, rather than driving project design from the lead position.

Despite only 3 projects, NM-AIST has built connections with 37 partners across 15 countries, indicating participation in large international consortia. Their network bridges East African research capacity with European institutions working on environment and agriculture.

What sets them apart

NM-AIST is one of very few Tanzanian institutions active in H2020, offering direct access to East African agricultural contexts, field sites, and local research talent. For any consortium needing genuine African partnership — not token inclusion — they bring real research capacity in a region critical for food security and climate adaptation. Their combination of environmental science and agricultural expertise makes them particularly useful for projects spanning water-food-climate themes.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EWA-BELT
  Their largest funded project (EUR 193,875), running until 2025, connecting East and West African farming systems — their most strategically significant involvement.
• FLOWERED
  Addressed the specific and under-researched problem of fluoride contamination in East African water and agricultural products, with their highest single-project funding (EUR 228,435).