Govt eyes inclusive, Kiswahili-savvy NDC

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Tax has called for increased participation of women in the National Defence CollegeTanzania (NDC) and directed the introduction of Kiswahili lessons for international course members.

Dr Tax issued the directives in Dar es Salaam yesterday on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the College’s 13th Valedictory Ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of President Samia, Dr Tax raised concern over the declining number of female graduates.

“Out of 61 course members in this year’s graduating class, only five were women, three from Tanzania and two from allied countries. Of the three Tanzanian women, only one is from the defence forces,” she said.

She added: “This is a decrease from the seven women recorded two years ago, it falls short of expectations following an earlier presidential directive to boost women’s enrolment in NDC Tanzania programmes.”

Dr Tax urged ministries for nominating candidates to do more to identify and support qualified women for strategic leadership training.

“This is not the Commandant’s concern alone. It is a shared responsibility that demands deliberate efforts from all stakeholders,” she said, urging renewed commitment to the existing directive from the Head of State.

In a move aimed at strengthening cultural and diplomatic engagement,Dr Tax announced that all nonKiswahili-speaking international officers enrolled at the NDC Tanzania will now be offered introductory Kiswahili lessons.

She said the new requirement is expected to take effect with the next intake. The minister requested the Commandant to collaborate with Baraza la Kiswahili Tanzania (BAKITA) and the Education ministry to implement the directive.

“The inclusion of Kiswahili lessons will enhance the experience of international participants and support Tanzania’s broader foreign policy goals,” she added.

The ceremony also marked the 13th anniversary of the founding of the NDC Tanzania. In her speech, President Samia commended the College’s contribution to strategic leadership development for both Tanzanian and international officers.

She further acknowledged the government’s continued investment in academic infrastructure, including new residential apartments, a multi-purpose hall and plans for a modern research and innovation centre.

This year’s graduates include senior officers from Tanzania’s defence and security institutions as well as representatives from 16 allied countries.

NDC Tanzania Commandant Major General Wilbert Ibuge said the graduates underwent academic, experiential and research-based training.

He said that course members were deliberately challenged to learn, unlearn and relearn, a methodology rooted in the belief that leadership is a lifelong journey of evolving knowledge and adaptability.

“These graduates are now deeply invested in understanding not only the intricacies of Tanzania’s national security environment but also its strategic neighbourhood and the international system,” he said.

He added, “They are now part of a growing tapestry of the NDC’s legacy — a network of professionals who continue to serve their nations with honour.”

Major General Ibuge also urged them to be transformative, collaborative, and visionary in their roles, capable of navigating the complex socio-political and economic challenges of the 21st century.

“To our graduates, you must be leaders who embrace change, strengthen cohesion, and foster innovation,” he said.

Of the 61 graduates, 46 were awarded Master’s Degrees in Security and Strategic Studies, while 15 received Diplomas in the same field.

Among the graduating cohort, 40 are senior officers drawn from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), national security organs, ministries, departments and government agencies.

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The remaining 21 graduates hail from 16 allied countries across Africa and beyond, highlighting the college’s growing international stature and commitment to regional and global security cooperation.