VIENNA. Tanzania is moving to position itself as a regional centre for cancer treatment, specialist training and advanced diagnostics as the government expands healthcare infrastructure and adopts technologies aimed at improving early detection and treatment.
The strategy was outlined by Deogratius John Ndejembi, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, while addressing the IAEA Scientific Forum 2026 in Vienna on September 15. Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ndejembi said Tanzania plans to establish nine comprehensive cancer treatment centres across six strategic health zones in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar by 2030.
The two‑day forum, held under the theme “Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care,” brought together government leaders, scientists, healthcare professionals and development partners to discuss expanding access to cancer services.
Prevention and Treatment Capacity Expands
The government says its cancer strategy combines prevention, diagnosis and treatment. According to Ndejembi, coverage of the single‑dose HPV vaccine among girls aged nine to 14 increased from 58 percent in 2018 to 98 percent in 2026, strengthening prevention efforts against cervical cancer and other HPV‑related cancers.
At the same time, radiotherapy services have expanded significantly. The number of treatment sites increased from three in 2020 to six in 2026, raising access from 14 percent to 26 percent and benefiting approximately 6,500 patients.
Tanzania has also increased investment in diagnostic and treatment equipment. Between 2021 and 2026, MRI machines rose from seven to 28, CT scanners from 12 to 97, mammography machines from four to 20, digital X‑ray machines from 147 to 770, and radiotherapy linear accelerators from two to eight.
Advanced Diagnostics Create New Possibilities
One of the most significant developments is the deployment of a PET‑Scan integrated with a cyclotron, allowing the production of radioactive isotopes used in advanced cancer diagnosis.
Ndejembi said Tanzania is among the first ten African countries to provide the technology, a milestone that strengthens the country’s ability to diagnose and monitor complex cancers locally.
The investment is also expected to reduce reliance on overseas diagnostic services while creating opportunities for specialised medical expertise, equipment maintenance, technical support and advanced healthcare services.
From Cancer Treatment to Regional Healthcare Hub
Beyond expanding treatment capacity, Tanzania is seeking a larger regional role. Ndejembi called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to support projects being implemented through the Rays of Hope initiative and requested that the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam be designated a Cancer Centre of Excellence. Such recognition would enhance specialist training and capacity building for healthcare professionals from across Africa.
The proposal reflects a broader ambition to transform Tanzania from a country expanding cancer services into a regional platform for cancer care, research and specialist training.
Investor Outlook
The emerging cancer strategy points beyond hospital construction alone. A larger specialist‑care ecosystem will require investment in advanced diagnostic equipment, radiotherapy technologies, healthcare infrastructure, specialist training, maintenance services, pharmaceuticals, medical research and digital health systems.
For investors, the message is clear: Tanzania is not only expanding cancer treatment capacity. It is laying the foundations for a regional cancer‑care ecosystem that could support medical technology providers, healthcare operators, training institutions and international partnerships across East and Sub‑Saharan Africa.
