Prof Sospeter Muhongo, a distinguished scholar, is the Minister of Energy and Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania and a Nominated Member of Parliament.

He is, “Officier, Ordre des Palmes Académiques”, an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of America (HonFGSA), an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of London (HonFGS), an Honorary Research Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (HonFCAGS), a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (FTWAS), a Fellow of the Geological Society of Africa (FGSAf), a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) and a Fellow of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences (FTAAS).


He is the first recipient (2004) of the Prof Robert Shackleton (UK) Award for Outstanding Research on the Precambrian Geology of Africa. He is the Vice President of the Commission of the Geological Map of the World (CGMW). He is a Full Professor of Geology at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and an Honorary Professor of Geology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Prof Muhongo was the Chair of the Jury for the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards – Continental Awards for Outstanding Scientists 2011 Edition.

He is a member of the Executive Board of the African Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (AIPF-STI). He is effectively involved in various high-level regional (Africa) and global STI strategic policy processes (e.g. Africa-Europe STI partnerships). He is a Member of the International Experts Group (Global Science Forum) of OECD and has occupied numerous important national, regional and international professional positions dealing with STI, earth resources, science policy and science diplomacy. Prof Muhongo was nominated by his country to be a candidate (2009) for the post of the Director General of UNESCO.

He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Earth Sciences (Elsevier), Associate Editor of Precambrian Research (Elsevier) and a member of several editorial boards of science journals and bulletins. He is the Senior Editor of the published book (2009) on, “Science, Technology and Innovation for Socio-Economic Development: Success Stories from Africa.”

Prof Muhongo has published over 200 research papers in international journals of high impact factors. He has co-authored widely used geological and mineral maps of Africa, East Africa and Tanzania. He has delivered more than 300 invited keynote speeches around the world at international conferences. He has undertaken over 100 contracted scientific research projects, and consultancy services in the mineral industry, environmental issues and STI policy matters.

Over the past two decades, Prof Muhongo has co-organized over 100 expert group meetings and international earth sciences, STI and science policy conferences, including those on “Science with Africa (Rapporteur-General)” which are hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and their partners. Prof Muhongo has developed a special interest in the application of STI for sustainable growth and socio-economic development of the global society.