Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation (CAIRI)

Advancing AI for Education, Governance, Industry and Sustainable Development in Tanzania.

About the Cairi

Advancing AI for National Progress

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation (CAIRI) serves as Tanzania’s strategic hub for coordinating the AI ecosystem.

Born from Mzumbe University’s digital foundation, CAIRI bridges the gap between complex research and real-world impact. We focus on human capacity, evidence-based policy, and the commercialization of responsible AI solutions that align with national priorities.

Core Focus
  • High-impact Research
  • Human Capacity Building
  • Ethics & Governance
Strategic Pillars
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Interdisciplinary Collab
  • Commercialization

Our Vision

To position Mzumbe University as a national and regional leader in Artificial Intelligence research, innovation, and policy development.

Our Mission

To conduct impactful AI research, build capacity, and promote AI-driven innovation for sustainable national development.

Leading the way in scientific discovery through these core specialized domains.

Key Research Areas

Leading the way in scientific discovery through these core specialized domains.

View All →
AI in Education

This area develops AI technologies that enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement. It includes intelligent tutoring systems, generative AI for lesson preparation, inclusive STEM tools, and AI-driven language support.

AI in Governance & Public Systems

This research applies AI and data analytics to strengthen governance and public administration. It supports policy systems, decision dashboards, and intelligent tools for efficient and transparent resource management.

AI & IoT Innovation

This area integrates Artificial Intelligence with IoT technologies to create smart and scalable solutions. It advances youth-led innovation, smart agriculture, and climate-responsive systems for sustainable development.

AI for Social Impact

This research focuses on responsible AI solutions that address social and community challenges. It develops accessibility tools, legal aid learning systems, and technologies that support underserved populations.

Our Team

The brilliant minds behind our research and success.

Coordinator

Tupokigwe Isagah (PhD)
Tupokigwe Isagah (PhD)

Coordinator

Lecturer, Researcher

Postgraduate Students

Frank Msonge
Frank Msonge

Postgraduate Students

Msc. IT student

👤
Lunodzo Mwinuka

Postgraduate Students

PhD student

Research Team

almasi Maguya (PhD)
almasi Maguya (PhD)

Research Team

Senior Lecture, Researcher

Irene Isibika (PhD)
Irene Isibika (PhD)

Research Team

Lecturer, Researcher

Perpetua Kalimasi (PhD)
Perpetua Kalimasi (PhD)

Research Team

Lecturer, Researcher

Edger Rutatola
Edger Rutatola

Research Team

Researcher

Elina Ntahomvyuke
Elina Ntahomvyuke

Research Team

Researcher

👤
Morice Daud

Research Team

Head CSS Department, Senior Lecturer, Researcher

View More

Current Research Projects

2024–2028

AI4STEM

Funder: VLIR-UOS (Belgium)

AI4STEM leverages Artificial Intelligence to enhance STEM education in Tanzanian primary schools. The project focuses on developing intelligent tutoring systems, AI-powered teaching aids, and inclusive learning technologies to improve subject understanding and educational equity.

View Case Study
2025–2027

Global Citizen Project

Funder: VLIR-UOS

This project uses Generative AI to improve English proficiency among Tanzanian primary school pupils. By developing AI-powered tutoring systems and teacher support tools, it aims to enhance fluency, confidence, and performance.

View Case Study
2023–2026

Data2Info

Funder: VLIR-UOS

Data2Info strengthens data analytics capacity in Tanzanian ministries by linking academic expertise with government information systems to improve resource management and policy decision-making.

View Case Study
2023–2025

IOT-4-YOUTHS

Funder: VLIR-UOS

IoT-4-Youths establishes a modern IoT laboratory at Mzumbe University to empower students and youth to develop IoT-based solutions addressing community challenges.

View Case Study
2023–2025

LEGAL AID MICRO-LEARNING

Funder: VLIR-UOS (Belgium)

This project enhances legal aid service delivery through tailored multimedia micro-learning content for paralegals and communities.

View Case Study

Research Publications

Explore our latest contributions to AI and STEM education.

Journal Article 2026
From Privacy Safeguards to Innovation Barrier: Assessing Tanzania’s Personal Da…

Isagah, Tupokigwe & Malekela, Mark.

Artificial Intellig…
Conference Paper 2025
Adaptive Versus Non-adaptive Mathematics Tutoring by Social Robots in Tanzanian…

Ntahomvukye, Elina, and Rutatola, Edger, and Daudi, Morice, and Komba, Mercy, and Stroeken, Koen, and Belpaeme, Tony

social robotics
Journal Article 2025
“Habari, Colleague!”: A Qualitative Exploration of the Perceptions of Primary S…

Rutatola, Edger & Stroeken, Koen & Belpaeme, Tony.

social robotics
Book/Chapter 2025
Leveraging Large Language Models for a Swahili Mathematics ITS in Tanzania: Des…

Rutatola, Edger & Stroeken, Koen & Belpaeme, Tony

Intelligent Tutorin…

View More

Latest News

Stay updated with our recent activities.

View All →

No news updates at the moment.

Our Partners

We collaborate with leading academic institutions and organizations to drive innovation and research excellence.

View More

Collaborate With Us

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation (CAIRI) welcomes partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders to drive impactful AI solutions.

01 Joint Research
02 AI Policy Advisory
03 Tech Co-development
04 Capacity Building

CAIRI aims to drive AI innovation that responds to real societal challenges in Tanzania and beyond.

Partner With Us

Ready to start a partnership? Reach out to our team today.

  • Email: cairi@mzumbe.ac.tz
  • Phone: +255 (0) 755 422 199
  • Location: Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania
Contact Us Now
NAO AI Social Tutor
Powered By GPT-4 & Azure
AI Social Tutor

Meet NAO: The Future of STEM Education

At CAIRI, NAO isn't just a robot it’s an intelligent teaching assistant designed to revolutionize mathematics learning in Tanzanian primary schools. Using Natural Language Processing (NLP), NAO bridges the gap between technology and traditional classroom instruction.

Adaptive Tutoring

Analyzes responses in real-time to provide targeted feedback based on errors.

Collaborative Learning

Facilitates group problem-solving and scaffolds step-by-step reasoning.

Integrated Technology
GPT-4 Microsoft Azure Speech NLP Geometry-Aligned
Explore the Robot Page
Collaborate With Us