NanoSilicon Advanced Materials: Tanzanian Government Decides to Pursue Nationwide Adoption of "TAP & CHECK"

A Tanzanian government delegation, including Choi Jonguk, CEO of NanoSilicon Advanced Materials (second from right); Assistant Minister of Industry and Trade Aristides R. Mbawasi (third from right); and FCC Secretary General Kadija J. Ngasongwa (fourth from right), poses for a commemorative photo at the “Official Dinner for Cooperation between NSAM and the Tanzanian Delegation,” held on the 23rd at Ramada Plaza Suwon in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo provided by NanoSilicon Advanced Materials.

NanoSilicon Advanced Materials is pursuing the nationwide adoption in Tanzania of its advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, "TAP & CHECK." After a Tanzanian government delegation inspected the company's domestic research and development (R&D) facilities and production plant firsthand and decided to advance the initiative as a national-level project, the company is expected to accelerate its entry into the African market.

NanoSilicon Advanced Materials said on October 26 that a government delegation comprising officials from Tanzania's Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) visited South Korea from October 21 to 26 to inspect the company's R&D facilities and production plant.

At the site, the delegation examined the manufacturing process, production equipment and quality control system for MTX (Magnetically Color Changeable Photonic Crystal), a key security material. It also verified the properties of MTX, whose color changes instantly when a magnet is applied, and observed how "TAP & CHECK," an authentication solution that uses the material, works in practice.

The two sides had initially discussed signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the FCC, but following the on-site verification, the scope of cooperation expanded to advancing the initiative as a government-level project. The Tanzanian government plans to designate a lead ministry and then sign a formal agreement in accordance with local laws and procedures.

At an official dinner held on October 23 at Ramada Plaza Suwon in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Tanzania's Assistant Minister of Industry and Trade Aristides R. Mbawashi said, "The Tanzanian government has decided to advance this matter at the national level." He added, "After returning home, we will designate the lead ministry responsible for the project, and the formal agreement will be signed locally in accordance with Tanzania's laws and procedures."

The specific scale of adoption, products to be covered, contract terms and implementation timeline will be determined after consultations with relevant ministries and completion of local procedures.

The FCC also gave a positive assessment of the technology verification results. Acting FCC Secretary General Khadija J. Ngasongwa said, "TAP & CHECK is distinctive because, unlike the conventional approach of taking enforcement action after a product has been sold, it enables consumers to check whether a product is genuine at the point of purchase." She added, "We will support the adoption of the technology within the scope of the FCC's legal authority and make the necessary practical preparations while a national-level agreement is being pursued."

The company also outlined plans to establish local production facilities and expand into African markets. Assistant Minister Mbawashi said Tanzania aims to develop Kigamboni into a production hub for authentication marks and to expand the technology across Africa, including East Africa. He also expressed his commitment to further cooperation, including by inviting NanoSilicon Advanced Materials CEO Choi Jongwook to visit Tanzania again.

CEO Choi Jongwook said, "It is a significant achievement that the Tanzanian government delegation inspected our R&D facilities and production plant firsthand and verified our technological capabilities and production system." He added, "As discussions on institutional cooperation have expanded into a national-level project, we will actively cooperate with the legal and administrative procedures ahead."

He added, "We will generate tangible business results by establishing local production facilities, providing technical support and training skilled personnel, and expand our presence in the African market using Tanzania as a base."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.