Dr. Joseph Wambura Matiko has held various leadership and academic positions throughout his career. He is currently the Acting Campus Director at Dodoma Technical College, where he oversees the operationalization of the newly established campus. He also serves as the Project Coordinator for the Regional Flagship TVET ICT Centre (RAFIC), a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at establishing a regional center of excellence in ICT. Additionally, he is the UNISEC Point of Contact for Tanzania, promoting satellite development initiatives in collaboration with universities.

As a Lecturer at DIT, Dr. Matiko teaches advanced computational algorithms, data mining, embedded electronics, and system controls. He has also led numerous system development projects, including enterprise resource planning systems, telemedicine platforms, and weather information dissemination systems. His contributions to blockchain technology include the development of SDKs and distributed applications.

Dr. Matiko has been recognized with several awards, including the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and the Best Graduating Engineer Award from the Engineers Registration Board of Tanzania. He is a registered ICT professional, graduate engineer, and technical teacher.

His research and consultancy work have had a significant impact on national and regional projects, such as Tanzania’s first satellite development under the KiboCUBE program, the Adaptive Environmental Monitoring Networks for East Africa (AdEMNEA), and the Tanzania National Broadband Strategy.

He has authored books, journal articles, and conference papers on topics ranging from energy harvesting to environmental monitoring. Dr. Matiko is actively engaged in professional development, having attended workshops at prestigious institutions such as MIT, UNESCO, and Stellenbosch University. He maintains an online presence on platforms such as ResearchGate, Google Scholar, LinkedIn, and GitHub.

With a career spanning academia, research, and system development, Dr. Joseph Wambura Matiko continues to contribute to technological innovation, education, and sustainable development in Tanzania and beyond.

Dr. Matiko has participated in various conferences, including the International TVET Conference and a United Nations Conference held from 24th to 26th October 2023, where he participated as a keynote speaker.

He presented a paper titled “Industrial Linkage and Partnership – the Case of DIT Regional Flagship ICT Centre” on March 7, 2024.

Other conferences he participated in as a presenter include the China-Africa TVET Forum on June 3, 2024, where he presented on the Digital ICT Centre.

He has also participated in the World Bank Webinar on academia, industry, and government partnerships for more effective youth skills development in East Africa.

Prof. Joel Mtebe is an Informatics expert in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam. He holds a PhD in Interactive Technology/Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Tampere, Finland.

His research interests include eLearning, Human-Computer Interaction, and information systems success. Over the last 10 years, he has been involved in several EdTech projects such as games-based learning, interactive physics experiments, and the use of digital diaries for parental engagement.

Other projects include the Retooling project (funded by the World Bank) and the Halostudy project, aimed at improving subject content knowledge of teachers, as well as the Pan African Virtual and E-University (funded by the African Union).

He has also been involved in evaluating the performance and value for money (VfM) of several systems, including the Government electronic payment gateway (GePG) implemented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), iTAX and EFDMIS implemented by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Local Government Revenue Collection Information System (LGRCIS), and the School Information System implemented by PO-RALG.

He also serves as the Director of the Center for Virtual Learning and coordinator of the eLearning Research Group, which has more than 20 master’s and 10 PhD students.

Recent conferences in which Prof. Mtebe served as a keynote speaker include the STICE Conference hosted by COSTECH in 2025 and the IST Africa Conference held in Nairobi in May 2025.

Dr. Salome Maro is currently serving as the Director of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) at the University of Dar es Salaam. She holds a PhD in Software Engineering from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, earned in 2020. Her expertise in Software Engineering is centered on enhancing the efficiency of software development processes.

Beyond her core specialty, Dr. Maro is deeply engaged in utilizing ICT to improve educational practices, foster the growth of software startups, and address gender disparities in the ICT field. Recently, she has developed an interest in exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to create educational content and streamline administrative tasks in the education sector.

Dr. Maro has participated in a number of conferences where she has presented papers as a panelist and also served as a keynote speaker. Recent conferences include the Academic-Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (2024), the Research Week Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (2024), and IDACA Tanzania.

She has also led technology events such as International Women’s Day (2023) and Women in Data Science Africa (2022), where she participated as a keynote speaker.

Dr. Aron Kondoro is an accomplished academic and ICT consultant based in Tanzania. He is a Lecturer in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

He holds a PhD in Information and Communication Technology from The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden, complementing it with a master’s degree in Information and Communication Systems Security. Additionally, he holds a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certificate from the University Computing Centre (UCC).

Dr. Kondoro brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in ICT, demonstrated through his numerous publications in areas such as ICT security, blockchain, mobile digital solutions, and educational technologies. His expertise extends beyond academia, as he actively engages in various ICT-related consultancies and projects.

Notably, he serves as a consultant for Ed Tech Hub, where he provides vital technical support for integrating technology into continuous professional development for primary educators in Tanzania.

Dr. Kondoro’s consultancy experience is extensive and diverse, serving both private and public entities, including the United Nations, Cambridge Education Tanzania Limited, and various Tanzanian ministries and authorities.

Dr. Kondoro has led significant studies, such as evaluating Tanzania’s ICT readiness in the e-commerce sector, assessing the performance of the Government e-Payment Gateway (GePG) system, evaluating ICT systems at the Tanzania Revenue Authority, and conducting feasibility studies for the implementation of the National Human DNA Database in Tanzania.

In the realm of educational technology, Dr. Kondoro has been instrumental in projects like the Challenge Driven Education (CDE) programme (UDSM-KTH collaboration), data mining for learning management systems in secondary schools, and evaluating Tanzania’s School Information System (SIS).

He has also developed and launched successful educational and financial mobile applications, including TCPD Mobile LMS, UDSM Mobile LMS, Halo-study, and Smart-Pay, achieving significant downloads on the Google Play Store.

Recently, Dr. Kondoro has participated in several academic conferences. He presented at the IST Africa 2025 Conference held in May 2025 and the 9th National Science, Technology and Innovation Conference and Exhibition held in December 2024.

He also participated as a panelist in the ISACA Tanzania Chapter Cybersecurity Day, which was held in October 2024.

Prof. Mohd A. Sheikh is currently the Director of Research, Training and Extension at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. He also served as Director of Research (Physical Sciences) at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) from 2017 to 2020.

Prof. Sheikh is a Professor of Environmental Analytical Chemistry and Ecotoxicology at the State University of Zanzibar. He has published over 40 refereed scientific papers in reputable journals. He has also served as a member of various research, academic, and governing bodies, including UDSM, UDOM, Boards of Governors, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Trieste, Italy), the National Biosafety Committee, and as a focal point for the Sub-Saharan Africa Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) and the Global Research Council (GRC), as well as the Board of Commissioners of the Commission for Science and Technology.

Prof. Sheikh received his PhD in Environmental Analytical Chemistry and Marine Ecotoxicology from the National University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan, between 2000 and 2008. He was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) from 2008 to 2010.

He was also a Senior Research Fellow under the CV Raman Programme at the University of Bangalore, India (2012). Prof. Sheikh is among the few alumni of the Harvard Kennedy School Governance Programme, having completed training in Innovation for Economic Development (2014) and Scientific Translation to Policy Issues (2019) at Harvard University (USA) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Brighton, UK, respectively.

Prof. Sheikh has participated in a number of academic conferences, including the conference titled “Examination Bodies as Stirrers of Teaching and Learning”, organized by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania to commemorate its 50th anniversary in December 2023.

Dr. Yesaya R. Athuman is a skilled Business Systems Analyst and AI specialist with extensive experience in technology solutions for social good. He has been a Senior ICT Officer at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) since 2017.

He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Dodoma (2015) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from St. Augustine University of Tanzania (2012).

Dr. Athuman enhances Terminal Operating Systems to improve efficiency across multiple ports. He developed an automated Wharfage Collection System, contributing over 50% to organizational revenue. He also implemented the Tanzania Electronic Single Window System, streamlining trade procedures, leading discussions on system integrations, and conducting training for stakeholders.

Dr. Athuman spearheaded the development of the award-winning eShangazi AI chatbot for Sexual and Reproductive Health, recognized by UNFPA Tanzania. He secured USD 15,000 in funding for AI chatbot projects addressing health, gender, and climate change.

He has delivered presentations on the role of local languages in technology adoption and the ethical challenges of AI in East Africa. He has also participated in workshops focused on standardizing AI terminology in Swahili to enhance accessibility.

Dr. Athuman founded the @YesayaSoftware YouTube channel for Swahili programming tutorials, organized sessions on AI and ethical technology at GDG Dar es Salaam, and advocates for Swahili integration in STEM through workshops and mentorship.

Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Nigeria’s foremost national examination body. Under his leadership, NECO has continued to strengthen examination integrity, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and the international expansion of its examination services.

Before leading NECO, he served as a lecturer and professor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He also held several academic leadership positions, including Head of Department, Postgraduate Coordinator, Sub-Dean, External Examiner, and various committee and board memberships in universities. He is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to educational development, assessment systems, and academic leadership in Nigeria.

He studied Science Education and earned multiple degrees from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, including a B.Sc. Ed in Science Education, M.Ed in Science Education, and a PhD in Science Education. He also earlier obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Chemistry/Physics from Ahmadu Bello University.

A respected researcher, Professor Wushishi has authored numerous scholarly publications in reputable local and international journals. His research interests include science teaching methodology, curriculum development, educational technology, and chemistry education.

Professor Wushishi is known for his visionary leadership, commitment to excellence, integrity, and passion for quality education. His wealth of experience in academia and national educational administration makes him a highly sought-after speaker on issues relating to education reform, leadership, innovation, and institutional development.

Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy is an Institute Chair Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, and a core member of the Robert Bosch Center for Data Science and AI. He is currently the Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras and a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

Prior to this, he served as Professor of Chemical Engineering and Co-Director of the Process Control and Optimization Consortium (PCOC) at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA. He has also held academic positions as Associate and Full Professor at Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, and as Assistant Professor at IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India.

He has been a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions, including Purdue University (USA), the University of Delaware (USA), and the University of Alberta (Canada).

His research interests span data science, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI), fields in which he has been actively working for nearly 30 years. He has been involved in implementing machine learning solutions in industries through IIT Madras and Gyan Data Pvt. Ltd., an IIT Madras-incubated company, where he is one of the co-founders.

He has also co-founded two additional companies through the IIT Madras incubation ecosystem: GITAA Pvt. Ltd., a data science training company, and Elicius Energy Pvt. Ltd.