Dr. Mahadia A. Tunga
Senior Lecturer
Biography
Dr. Mahadia Tunga is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Information and Communication Technologies, University of Dar es Salaam. She holds a PhD in Data Science from the University of Dar es Salaam, with research focusing on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in health, as well as natural language processing for Swahili and other low-resource languages.
Her broader research interests span health data science, mortality surveillance, climate information services, and data-driven decision-making. She has led research and consultancy projects supported by the Gates Foundation, International Development Research Centre, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation, United Nations Development Programme, International Fund for Agricultural Development, World Bank and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International.
Dr. Tunga is also the co-founder of Tanzania Data Lab, where she leads initiatives that strengthen data capabilities, applied research and innovation for development. She has contributed to advancing women and girls in data science and technology through the Mahadia Tunga Women in Data Science Scholarship Programme, her role as a Women in Data Science Ambassador for Africa, and her leadership in managing the CodeLikeAGirl programme, which equips girls with coding and digital skills and encourages their participation in technology and STEM careers.