The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is corporate public organization established in 1986 by Act of Parliament as a successor to the Tanzania National Scientific Research Council. Its responsibility is to coordinate and promote research and technology development activities in the country. It is the chief advisor to the Government on all matters pertaining to science and technology and their application to the socio-economic development.
Nineteen research and development (R&D) institutes are currently affiliated to COSTECH. In its organizational structure. COSTECH consists of three components namely: the Commission, the R&D Advisory Committees and the Secretariat. The Commission is the governing body while R&D Committees are the technical components. The Secretariat – is responsible for day-to-day operations. The Commission draws membership from its affiliated institutions as well as prominent professors from national universities and policy makers from the Govenrment. Thus it is an umbrella organization representing the interests of the national scientific and technological community.