Featured Ongoing Project
Organic Waste Recycling — Bioformulations Project
The Organic Waste Recycling Project — currently known as the Bioformulations Project — is a non-profit community outreach programme implemented since February 2022 by the Department of Natural Sciences at SUMAIT University.
The project supports environmental sustainability by converting organic waste into bio-fertilizers and plant-health boosters which:
- Improve soil fertility
- Reduce use of chemical fertilizers
- Protect human health
- Promote sustainable agriculture
The project also builds student skills in entrepreneurship, innovation and applied science. To date, several students and community members have been trained in bioformulation technologies.
Project Objectives
- Recycle organic waste into eco-friendly bio-fertilizer
- Support local farmers and gardeners
- Promote sustainable waste management
- Reduce environmental pollution
- Support scientific research & publications
Project Leadership
Project Founder & Lead Scientist:
Mr. Ramadhan Othman
Head, Biological Sciences Unit
Key Contributors:
- Mr. Khamis Masoud — Former Head of Natural Sciences
- SUMAIT Natural Sciences Students (2022–Present)
Project Gallery
Upcoming Project
Medicinal Tree & Herbal Research Initiative: PHASE II
This initiative explores the medicinal value of indigenous trees and plants in Zanzibar, aiming to support natural healthcare innovations, herbal medicine formulation, scientific validation, and preservation of traditional knowledge.
The project will involve laboratory research, community outreach, product development, and student engagement in natural product science.
Phase II — Industry Setup & Prototype Development (Ongoing Project)
Phase II — now listed as an active ongoing project — focuses on:
- Establishing a herbal medicine production facility
- Developing capsule and tablet formulations
- Creating a herbarium and botanical research garden
- Setting up a dedicated research laboratory
- Launching prototype products for market entry
A formal collaboration agreement has been prepared with the Muhimbili Institute of Traditional Medicine (MUHAS) for technology transfer, training and installation of production equipment.
Phase III — Sustainable Commercialization (Planned)
A strategic implementation plan has been submitted to Direct Aid to support:
- Full-scale production
- Regulatory certification
- Local & export market distribution
- Institutional revenue growth
Expected Impact
- Improved access to safe herbal medicines
- Job creation and student training
- Increased university income
- Scientific validation of indigenous knowledge
- Contribution to national health security
Principal Investigator
Mr. Saleh Talib Handhal
Head — Traditional Herbal Medicines Unit
SUMAIT University
Report date: 03 November 2025
Email: researchoffice@sumait.ac.tz