Technology Transfer Centres in Africa Eng. Hagai K. S. Bishanga, Manager, TanT 2 Centre Naura Springs Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania, August 27, 2007 Workshop on Developing Sustainable Transportation Systems

Outline  What is Technology Transfer  What is a Technology Transfer (T 2 ) Centre  Technology Transfer Centres in Africa  Regional T 2 Centre  About TanT 2 Centre  Achievements  Challenges  Conclusion and Recommendations

What is Technology Transfer The process of openly gaining and freely sharing experiences, workable solutions, technologies, and innovations is what is understood as “technology transfer”.  There are many ways and different forums in which technology transfer can occur such as:  “new” technique in a report or a technical magazine  a new product or material is included in a road project by a contractor or consultant, etc.  Learning from each other about successful practices and their application.

What is Technology Transfer  Regardless of its form, technology transfer is ultimately aimed at using the benefits of someone else’s successful research, development or experience to benefit transport infrastructure locally – often at a fraction of the original development cost.  Technology transfer in the transportation sector, as in any field, can be a catalyst for long term change.

What is a Technology Transfer (T 2 ) Centre A T 2 Centre is :  The Centre that involves itself in the activity of technology transfer.  Repository for information about technologies & resources - from cutting edge, or appropriate technology, to good practice  Can be a local, national, regional and international conduit between developers and users of technology and policy  Focal point for advancing better practice through a variety of media and activities (e.g., training)

What is a Technology Transfer (T 2 ) Centre Cont’d.  A focal point for linking needs to solutions  Platform for systematic technology transfer activities that address & meet unique local transportation requirements  Help to systematically and actively disseminate new ideas  Catalyst for improvements & enhancements of local practices  Contributes to creating the environment that promotes the exchange of innovations in transportation that stimulate local economic growth.

What is a Technology Transfer (T 2 ) Centre Cont’d.  Effective technology transfer enables players in the process of technology transfer and exchange to get mutual benefit and achieve their objectives.  Each Technology Transfer Centre acquires and disseminates technology transfer resources for technologies appropriate to local needs.

Typical Programmes  Technology Transfer (T 2 ) Centre operations and activities may vary from centre to centre.  T 2 Centre focuses on acquiring, disseminating & facilitating information & training that meet the needs of their stakeholders. –Training areas might include: Road maintenance and construction Road safety Private sector development Contract management Roadway Management Public Private Partnerships GIS for Transportation, etc.

9 Typical Programmes Cont’d.  Establishes a Management/ Advisory Committee  Collaborate with Stakeholders to delivery Centre’s Programmes  Maintains a mailing list  Publishes a quarterly newsletter  Serves as a clearinghouse for transportation information  Provides information on new and existing technologies  Conducts training  Performs a self ‑ evaluation

Technology Transfer Centres in Africa  Over the past 25 years, more than 200 transportation related technology transfer centres have been established around the world (USA, Latin America and the Caribbean, Baltic Region, Russia, East Asia, Africa, etc.).  US Federal Highway Administration and PIARC have assisted countries worldwide to establish T 2 Centres.  12 T 2 Centres have been established in 10 countries in Africa over the past 14 years (South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, Tchad & Burkina Faso)

Technology Transfer Centres in Africa  All T 2 Centres have a mission and functions.  All Centres have been established through administrative arrangements, as a collaborations effort attached to the existing institutions.  T 2 Centres in Africa are attached to either National Roads Agency/ Ministry/ University/ or Research Institution.  All Centres are disseminating information and conducting training.  All Centres are financed by their Government with most of them also generating own revenue.

Technology Transfer Centres in Africa  All Centres have an Advisory/Management Committee  Centres have very minimal number of staff which ranges from 1 to 6 staff.  T 2 Centres in Africa and in other developing countries are generally at start –up phase.  10 out of 12 existing T 2 Centres in Africa were established with the support of the US Federal Highway Administration & 4 Centres received support of the World Road Association (PIARC).

Technology Transfer Centres in SADC Region  There are 10 T 2 Centres in SADC Region; all established with support of US FHWA. 2 Centres also received PIARC Support.  South Africa T 2 Centres  NRA established 1995  CSIR established 2000  KwaZulu-Natal established 2000  Tanzania T 2 Centre established 1997  Zimbabwe T 2 Centre established 2000  Malawi T 2 Centre 2001

Technology Transfer Centers in SADC Cont’d.  Namibia  Zambia  Botswana  Madagascar

Some Significant Achievements of T 2 Centres in SADC  South Africa: –SANRAL T 2 Centre Established and expanded TRAC programs in secondary schools –CSIR T 2 Centre Disseminates Technological Information Operates a Transportation Library Conducts Training Programmes for Professionals Publishes a Newsletter Hosts & Secretariat for Regional T 2 Center

Some Significant Achievements of T 2 Centres in SADC Cont’d.  South Africa Cont’d: –Kwa-Zulu Natal DOT T 2 Centre Conducts Training Programmes for Professionals Publishes a Newsletter Hosted the 2 nd Africa T 2 Conference in year 2005  Malawi T 2 Centre –Publishes a Newsletter –Conducts Training Programmes for Professionals –Conducted 2 nd SADC Train-the-Trainer Course: Instructor Development Course and Train-the-Trainer Technical Course on Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Evaluations and Rehabilitation, 10 th -21 st June 2002 –Hosted the 3 rd Africa T 2 Conference in 2007

Some Significant Achievements of T 2 Centres in SADC Cont’d.  Namibia T 2 Centre: –Will be hosting the 4 th Africa T 2 Conference to be held from August 31 to September 4, 2009

T 2 Centre in West Africa  Burkina Faso  Tchad

Regional T 2 (RT 2 ) Centre  Established in 2002 by the Association of Southern Africa National Roads Agency (ASANRA)  One of the Standing Committees of ASANRA  CSIR is the Chair of the RT 2 Centre  TanT 2 Centre is Founder Member of RT 2 Centre

Objectives of ASANRA  ASANRA was established with the essential purpose of enhancing regional policy coordination and road transport systems integration in order to improve intra-regional road transport efficiency and lower transport costs.  Foster the development,operation and maintenance of an integrated transportation system for the SADC region;  Promote the development and maintenance of an integrated transportation system through application of best practices in the road sector;  Improve method of administration, planning, research, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities;

Objectives of RT 2 Centre  Promote National T 2 Centre as centres of Excellency to meet the emerging needs & challenges of ASANRA.  Encourage efficiency through the harmonizing & sharing of relevant best practices in all aspects of Transportation.  Promote & facilitate a regional database development, maintenance & information dissemination programme.

Objectives of RT 2 Centre Cont’d.  Assist the other Standing Committee of ASANRA with Technology Transfer activities  Promote Technology Transfer/ Exchange & networking regionally and internationally.  Foster coordination on behalf of ASANRA for the various national programmes of roads and other transportation projects.  Identify plan & execute relevant training programmes for the region

TanT 2 Centre About TanT 2 Centre  Established August 1997 by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in collaboration with the University of Dar Es Salaam with support of the United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)  Up to 2001, the Centre performed well, however it faced a number of challenges for sustainability of it operations.  As a result of the sustainability study conducted in year 2002, the Centre became under Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) effective April 2004

About TanT 2 Centre Cont’d. “To foster safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation systems in Tanzania by improving skills and knowledge of transportation providers and users through training, technical assistance and technology transfer” Mission

TanT 2 Centre Functions 1.Promoting and Transfer of Technology for the Transportation Industry (Highway; Aviation; Maritime; and Railways). 2.Conducting Demand Driven Training Programmes for Transport Sector Professionals. 3.Providing Transport Information and Documentation Services. 4.Conducting Applied Research and Development Activities to Address the Challenges facing the Transport Sector in Tanzania

TanT 2 Centre Functions Cont’d. 5.Providing Online Transportation Library Services. 6.Promoting Community Transportation Programmes. 7.Promoting Development of Future Workforce for the Transportation Industry. 8.Conducting Scanning of Transportation Technologies 9.Serving as the Secretariat of the National Committee(s) to the International Associations Promoting Transportation Technology

Some Significant Achievements Through Collaborations with Stakeholders and Partners, TanT 2 Centre has implemented many programmes including:  Clearinghouse for transportation information –Since its establishment to end of FY 2007/08, Centre received a total of 6,600 publications, CD-ROMS, DVDs & Video Tapes from T 2 Centre, & transportation resource institutions worldwide –Disseminated 1,003 technological information to 103,741 stakeholders –Disseminates information to 45 countries worldwide; 37 are African Countries. –Centre received 448 requests from stakeholders & addressed them accordingly.  Maintains Transportation Related Databases (Mailing list, World Interchange Network, Technical Expertise, Training & Technical Assistance, etc.)

Some Significant Achievements Cont’d.  Operates Electronic Transportation Lending Library –Centre has more than 6,000 publications; 500 CD ROMs and 450 Video Cassettes –More than 1,159 stakeholders utilized the library; and more than 900 publications were borrowed by stakeholders.  Hosted the 1 st Africa T 2 Conference in May 2001  Conducted 1 st SADC Train-the-Trainer Course on Design and Operation of Work Zone Traffic Control  Conducting Various Training Courses; Seminars and Workshops for Professionals (Road Safety Courses; GIS Courses; Roadway Management, Performance Based Contracts, INMAGIC Library Software, etc.)

Improvement of Library Services TanT 2 Centre Library Transformed into an Electronic Library in November 2004 The Electronic library is utilising the Inmagic Library System TanT 2 Centre Electronic Library can also be accessed through TanT 2 Centre Website at

Some Significant Achievements Cont’d.  Established and promotes TRAC programs in secondary schools -TRAC enhances science subjects in schools -TRAC encourages student to consider their career in the Transportation industry (Future Workforce)  In partnership with FHWA, routinely conducts video conference seminars (GIS, Road Safety Audits, PPPs, Road Safety Engineering Countermeasures, etc.)  Carries out Community Transportation Programmes (Safe Way to School)

TRAC Schools in Tanzania Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School (Co-Education) Azania Secondary School (Boys Only) Jangwani Secondary School (Girls Only) Chang’ombe Secondary School (Co-Education) Shaaban Robert Secondary School (Co-Education) Barbro Johansson Secondary School (Girls Only) Msasani Primary School (Co- Education + Disabled)

Some Significant Achievements Cont’d.  The TanT 2 Centre is a World Interchange Network (WIN) Relay of World Road Association (PIARC)  Connecting People who have Transportation Related Questions in Touch with Experts Who Can Provide the Answers  Centre Participated in PIARC Commission on Technological Exchanges & Development (CTED) for the PIARC Work Cycle

Participation in Meetings of PIARC Commission on Technological Exchanges & Development

Some Significant Achievements Cont’d.  TanT 2 Centre has been participating and Exhibiting at stakeholders’ Technical Forums - between FY 2000/01 & FY 2007/08 period the Centre exhibited its services at 27 stakeholders’ events in Tanzania

Some Significant Achievements Cont’d.  Facilitated Exchange Visits & Study Tours (US Contractors Development Mission (CDM) to Tanzania, Zambian Officials to Tanzania on Axle Load Control, Nigerian Officials to Tanzania on Roads Fund and Operation of a T 2 Centre, etc.)

Impacts from Some Programmes Conducted Programme Conducted Impact Made Road Safety Audit Courses, May 2006 & April 2008 Institutions from Tanzania such as TANROADS and PMO-RALG utilized the skills to audit roads. TANROADS audited 223 kms of roads in Coast, Mwanza and Shinyanga Regions. The “Guide to Road Safety Auditing” dated March 2009 has been produced and launched by Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Road Safety Engineering Countermeasures (RSEC) Course March 2007 (116 Professionals from 41 Institutions Trained )

Impacts from Some Programmes Conducted Cont’d. Programme Conducted Impact Made Workshop on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Transport Sector: Reforms, Development and Management, October 8, The expert from USA also shared experiences through videoconference - 60 Participants National PPP Task Force formed October 2003 Carrying out of two case studies May Conducting of Financial Sector Workshop on PPP, April 2004 Conducting of PPP Capacity Building Training Course, May Development of PPP Policy in Tanzania is currently in the final stages of being approved by the Government.

Impacts from Some Programmes Conducted Cont’d. Programme Conducted Impact Made US Contractors Development Mission (CDM) to Tanzania 3rd - 16th June 2000 Study of the capability and capacity of local contractors. Based on findings, develop and present intervention strategies for building capability and capacity of local contractors Key challenges facing the contracting industry were identified. Intervention strategies for building capability and capacity of local contractors were agreed upon. Signing of MOU between TACECA and the National Association of Minority Contractors, Wisconsin Chapter of USA. Participation of local contractors in the construction works by value has increased from 10% in year 2000 when the CDM took place to 30% in year 2008.

African Countries Considering Establishing T 2 Centres  As a result of the successful operation of existing T 2 Centres, more countries in Africa are in the process of exploring the possibilities of establishing T 2 Centres in their countries. These countries include: -  Kenya  Nigeria  Ghana  Ethiopia  Mozambique

Challenges in Providing T 2 Centre Services  Lack of adequate and sustainable financing of Centre operations and programmes.  Effective utilisation of the available technology transfer centre services has not been fully reached. This is due to: -  The Centre not being able to adequately market its services and achievements to stakeholders and the public in general;  A big number of stakeholders not being aware of the services provided by the T 2 Centre;  The public not having the culture of reading books, technical publications and information, newsletters, etc.  There has been continuous increase in stakeholders demand for T 2 services, which does not match with the available Centre capacity in terms of staff, systems for documentation and dissemination of information, office equipment, office space, etc.

Challenges in Providing T 2 Centre Services  All T 2 Centres in Africa have been established administratively and not through a legal framework for their operations. Therefore their operations are not sustainable. A legal framework would lead to enhanced and guaranteed funding and management structure, improve operations and ensured efficient and effective delivery of services.

Conclusion & Recommendations Conclusion  Technology Transfer Centres in Africa are very useful for promoting and transfer of technology for the transportation industry, hence contributing in development of sustainable transportation systems in African countries.  For significant impact of T 2 Centre programmes on the economic development of the country, the T 2 Centre operations must be sustainable.  Political and economical support is vital for successful operations of T 2 Centres.  Thorough involvement of stakeholders in all T 2 Centre programmes is vital for effective technology transfer.

Conclusion & Recommendations Cont’d. Recommendations 1. There is a need of establishing a T 2 Centre in each of the East Africa Community & sub Saharan African countries. 2. There is a need of enhancing the operations of existing T 2 Centres in Africa through:-  improvement of capacities of T2 Centres  Addressing issues for sustainability of the Centre services. 3. Enhance networking among T 2 Centres in Africa as well as other T 2 Centres and Transportation Resource Institutions worldwide.

Thank You for Your Attention Contact: Eng. H. K. S. Bishanga Manager Tanzania Transportation Technology Transfer (TanT 2 ) Centre Tel: Mobile: Fax: or Website: