A Tanzania scientist, who is the brainchild behind an organic pesticide under her startup company Plant Biodefenders, has impressed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, vowing that his country will continue supporting innovation in the country.
Dr. Steinmeier made the remarks at Tanzania’s Hyatt Hotel in Dar es Salaam shortly after he heard a pitch from the female researcher behind the biological pesticide invention, Dr. Never Mwambela.
Dr. Mwambela, who is a lecturer at the College of African Wildlife Management Mweka, briefed the President that the factor behind her discovery was her desire and ambition to use biological methods for containing pests dubbed Tuta absoluta and fall armyworm without polluting the environment and ensure good health of consumers.
“And now, I’m proud and yet humbled, I’ve successfully found a lasting solution for the invasive pests, with more than 9,000 farmers so far benefitting from it,” Dr. Mwambela told the German President. In his response, Dr. Steinmier, who led a high-profile delegation of the German business community, commended Dr. Mwambela for her breakthrough, committing his country to continue supporting and investing in innovation in Tanzania.
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