University of Dodoma First International Conference in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ICSTI) special issue

The University of Dodoma (UDOM) hosted its inaugural International Conference in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ICSTI) from June 18 to 20, 2024. The event took place at the East Africa Conference Room within UDOM's College of Informatics and Virtual Education. The conference aimed to bring together researchers, academicians, and industry practitioners to discuss advancements in science, technology, and innovation, with a focus on sustainable development. The program featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering various topics, including: Innovation and entrepreneurship education, Tanzania's mineral resource potential, Leveraging science diplomacy, Conservation of natural resources and the role of artificial intelligence in the 4th and 5th industrial revolutions

The event underscored UDOM's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in science and technology, contributing to Tanzania's economic and scientific development. One of the key outcomes of the event is the publication of the University of Dodoma First International Conference in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ICSTI) special issue by the East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation. The special issue highlights the transformative potential of science, technology, and innovation in addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing sustainable development. It consolidates a selection of groundbreaking research presented during the conference, focusing on interdisciplinary themes such as artificial intelligence, natural resource management, climate change mitigation, and entrepreneurship. Key contributions delve into the applications of machine learning for industry and education, innovative strategies for mineral resource utilization, and the integration of science diplomacy in fostering international collaborations. The role of technological innovations in shaping Tanzania's industrial landscape and its alignment with global industrial revolutions (4IR and 5IR) is particularly emphasized.

This special issue serves as a platform to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge, inspire collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, and encourage actionable innovations that align with Tanzania's vision for sustainable development and global scientific progress. The findings underscore the University of Dodoma's commitment to becoming a leading hub for scientific research and innovation in Africa.