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Nordic ambassadors partner with Tanzania’s university on academic exchange programme
Sokoine University of Agriculture
What you need to know:
- The Nordic countries have supported a range of development programmes in Tanzania, including health, education, and climate adaptation.
Morogoro. Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has signed a new partnership agreement with four Nordic countries to facilitate the exchange of academic staff in various specialised fields, further strengthening long-standing relations between the university and the northern European nations.
The announcement was made by SUA Vice Chancellor, Prof Raphael Chibunda, following a high-level visit by ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
The visit aimed to enhance academic and research cooperation between the university and the Nordic bloc.
Prof Chibunda said the agreement includes a structured system that will allow lecturers from SUA to teach in the Nordic countries, while their counterparts will be invited to deliver lectures in Tanzania.
“The exchange could last for two or three months and is meant to broaden academic collaboration and share knowledge between institutions,” said Prof Chibunda. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing education and research.”
He noted that Denmark has been a key partner in SUA’s growth since the early 1970s, when the university was still in its infancy with fewer than 2,000 students.
“Our partnership with Denmark began in 1973 when the government launched forestry education in Tanzania. Denmark supported us in building that foundation. Today, we host 18,000 students, a testament to how far we’ve come,” he said.
Prof Chibunda also outlined other achievements, including the development of the Mizengo Pinda Campus in Katavi and increased capacity in research and infrastructure projects.
Speaking during the visit, Danish Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Jesper Kammersgaard, said the mission was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of academic cooperation.
“The Nordic countries are committed to supporting education, innovation, and youth development in Tanzania. Our visit to SUA reflects that commitment,” he said.
During their tour, the ambassadors visited the university’s veterinary faculty, the Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO), and held discussions with SUA’s leadership on ongoing and future joint initiatives.
In a symbolic show of partnership and environmental awareness, the ambassadors cycled from the university’s main gate to the administration building.
The Nordic countries have supported a range of development programmes in Tanzania, including health, education, and climate adaptation.
This new academic exchange programme is expected to bolster the quality of teaching and research at SUA and its partner institutions abroad.
