Professor Thomas Kivevele stands as an influential figure at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), where he serves as an Associate Professor of Clean Energy Technologies.
Notable achievements and impactful contributions to the field of energy have marked his academic journey. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Sustainable Energy from Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. Additionally, he holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam. He is a recipient of the prestigious 2018 Fulbright African Senior Research Scholar award to conduct research on biofuels at Baylor University, Texas – USA. The Fulbright Program is the premier international education and exchange initiative of the U.S. Department of State. In 2015, after completing his Ph.D., Prof. Kivevele joined NM-AIST as a Lecturer. Through dedication and excellence in his field, he ascended to Associate Professor in 2023.
Prof. Kivevele teaches various energy-related subjects, ranging from renewable energy technologies and passive solar energy systems to refrigeration, air conditioning, and energy auditing and management. In addition to his academic duties, Prof. Kivevele plays an active role in university governance as a Director of the Directorate of Research and Innovation, a tender board member and leads the Clean Energy Technologies Research Group and the Sustainable Energy Research Lab. His notable recognition includes being named the Best Innovator of the Year in 2020 and the Best Worker of the Financial Year 2019/2020 in the academic staff category at NM-AIST. His impact extends to securing over seven energy-related research projects, totaling over 2.5 million USD from prestigious donors such as the World Bank, European Union, and USAID.
Prof. Kivevele has authored and co-authored 75+ articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing his research prowess, and holds four patents for innovative designs of solar dryers and a biogas burner assembly. At different times, he serves as an External Examiner for esteemed institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology (South Africa), Moi University (Kenya), University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, and Arusha Technical College.
His commitment to sustainable Development is evident in national consultancies, including assessing energy-efficient irrigation technologies in Moshi for the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and overseeing the construction of a biodigester integrated with a wetland at Mwanza City Abattoir for the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Program (LVEMP). Recently, Prof. Kivevele was involved in consulting services for preparing and delivering the Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP) 2024 in Tanzania. In collaboration with NIRAS, this assignment supported the African Development Bank (AfDB) in organizing the event, which focused on expanding energy access and promoting clean cooking technologies. The project included preparing a detailed Country Energy Sector Diagnostic
Note (CDN) and developing a Country Priority Plan (CPP). In essence, Prof. Kivevele "s journey is marked by academic excellence, leadership roles, and impactful contributions to advancing clean energy technologies and sustainable practices at both academic and practical levels.
