Tanzania poised to become East Africa’s education hub

Senior Journalist with The Citizen

Mwananchi Communications Limitted

What you need to know:

With the New Education and Training Policy (2023 edition) set for launch on January 31, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country is making significant strides to reshape its education landscape.

The new policy aims to address key gaps in the current system by overhauling the curriculum to focus more on practical skills and critical thinking. The government is prioritising technical and vocational education to better prepare students for the job market. Kenyan policy analyst Dr Andrew Chisale noted, “Tanzania is making bold moves by prioritising vocational training. The new policy ensures that students are not just academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills to contribute to the economy.” The government is also promoting inclusivity by extending education loans to diploma students, making higher education more accessible. Meanwhile, the World Bank-supported Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project is driving major improvements in higher education infrastructure, research capabilities, and alignment with market needs.

“HEET is a game-changer for Tanzania’s higher education sector,” said a University of Dar es Salaam lecturer, Dr Liberato. “We’re seeing significant investments in research and innovation, which will position Tanzanian universities as centres of excellence in Africa.” The government is also increasing scholarships, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, to bridge gaps in critical sectors and encourage more students to pursue careers essential for national development. Decades ago, Tanzania was seen as an importer of education services, with parents seeking better opportunities abroad. Today, the narrative is changing. The rise of private schools offering high-quality education, improvements in government schools, and the growing number of vocational training centres reflect the country’s commitment to educational advancement.

Tanzania poised to become East Africa’s education hub

What you need to know:

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