With Gratitude and Pride: Bidding Farewell to Our 2019–2025 Executive Committee

As we mark the end of a pivotal chapter in the life of the Ifakara Innovation Hub, we extend our deepest appreciation to the distinguished members of the Executive Committee who have faithfully served from 2019 to 2025. Their tenure was not only a period of service—it was a season of transformation, growth, resilience, and visionary leadership, as they stood alongside us from the very beginning of our journey.

The 2019–2025 Executive Committee stepped into leadership at a time when the Ifakara Innovation Hub was finding its roots and shaping its identity. Over the course of five years, these committed leaders worked hand in hand with the Hub team to nurture a culture of innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Under their watch, the Hub expanded its footprint, deepened its partnerships, launched transformative initiatives, and stayed true to its mission: to ensure universal access to wealth and health in rural Tanzania.

Each member of the Executive Committee brought a unique set of skills, perspectives, and energy that contributed to the Hub’s growth and resilience. Together, they oversaw the implementation of key programs in health, rural livelihoods, and economic empowerment, with a strong emphasis on engaging women and youth. Their support was instrumental in launching and strengthening flagship initiatives that reached grassroots communities, built local capacities, and positioned the Hub as a credible and trusted voice in rural innovation.

Their leadership proved critical during moments of uncertainty, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to global innovation shifts, and maintaining operational focus in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. The Committee's forward-thinking approach enabled the Hub to not only sustain momentum but also uncover new areas of impact, from clean energy access to digital entrepreneurship.

Under their guidance, stakeholder engagement reached new heights. They fostered collaborations with government institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector—relationships that now form the backbone of IIH’s ecosystem. Their consistent advocacy for inclusive, gender-aware governance, coupled with their commitment to community-led innovation, ensured that the Hub remained rooted in the real needs and aspirations of the people it serves.

One of the most impactful legacies of the outgoing Executive Committee was the establishment of the Product Development Committee. This strategic body was formed to operationalise the Hub’s commitment to innovation through a collaborative model that brought together local expertise and international partnerships. By harnessing the strengths of diverse actors, the committee facilitated the prototyping and production of market-ready innovations that responded directly to community health challenges.

This initiative laid the groundwork for the formation of the IIH Health Innovation Wing, a dedicated platform for device-specific product development, entrepreneurship mentoring, and technical training. It not only defined the Hub's niche within Tanzania's innovation ecosystem but also gave rise to a robust pipeline of locally designed, problem-solving medical devices. These innovations are now positioning the Hub as a pioneer in health technology—locally grounded and globally recognised.

Furthermore, the vision embedded in this initiative expanded IIH’s global visibility, unlocking new pathways for collaboration with experts in medical technology, innovation policy, and inclusive entrepreneurship. It stands as a testament to the Committee’s foresight in anchoring innovation within the lived realities of rural communities while embracing a global outlook. What defined this Executive Committee was not just their strategic acumen, but their heart—their ability to lead with humility, listen with intention, and act with courage. They mentored, encouraged, and challenged the team to think bigger and reach further, all while staying grounded in community realities. Through regular dialogue, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep respect for the innovation journey, they became not just governance leaders—but a part of the Hub’s extended family.

The outgoing Executive Committee played a pivotal role in securing the long-term sustainability of the Ifakara Innovation Hub. With a deep understanding of the importance of institutional resilience, they championed the development of a sustainability model that would ensure the Hub’s continued impact for generations to come. Their forward-looking vision guided the strategic decision to transition the Hub into an independent legal entity.

They provided critical support and oversight to the Hub Director in preparing for this transition—ensuring that every step was thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the Hub’s mission. As a result of their leadership, the Ifakara Innovation Hub is now established as a registered trust, a move that marks a new chapter in its governance and operational maturity. This transition also comes with a structural shift: moving forward, the governance body will evolve from an Executive Committee to a Board of Trustees—reflecting the Hub’s new status and strengthening its capacity to steward innovation with integrity and impact.

As we welcome a new Board of Trustees, we do so on the shoulders of giants. The foundation laid by the 2019–2025 board will continue to inspire our work and fuel our ambition to become a center of excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship.

To our outgoing Executive Committee—thank you. Your leadership will forever be etched in the DNA of the Ifakara Innovation Hub. You leave not just a record of achievements, but a living legacy of innovation, inclusion, and purpose.

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