Wanu tasks VETA to embrace AI, robotic systems

DODOMA: AS Tanzania continues to make significant strides in industrial development and the broader economy, Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir has urged the Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) to prioritise training that fosters the use of ICT systems in the digital economy, including artificial intelligence and robotics.

Ms Wanu made the remarks yesterday during a visit to VETA College in Chemba District, Dodoma, where she handed over various training equipment for innovation, tailoring and textile technology, as well as electrical training tools.

The equipment forms part of the government’s broader initiative to equip all 63 VETA colleges across the country.

At the well-attended event, which included top government officials such as the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Prof Carolyne Nombo, the Deputy Minister emphasised that an industrial economy relies on a skilled, knowledgeable and innovative workforce.

“The development and expansion of industries depend on the presence of competent technicians who can match the pace of changes in science and technology. VETA provides vocational training, which is a key pillar in increasing employment opportunities for young people,” she noted.

She added that these skills will not only enable graduates to gain employment or start their own businesses but also create jobs for others, thereby increasing individual income and contributing to the overall growth of the national economy.

Ms Wanu also reminded VETA officials of their responsibility to promote innovation in product development to address economic and social challenges in the country.

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She explained that her visit was intended to closely observe how VETA is executing its mandate, including its achievements and future plans.

The Deputy Minister stressed that VETA is an important and strategic institution in contributing to the successful implementation of the country’s development agenda, particularly in economic matters, as outlined in Vision 2050.

She further emphasised that the distributed equipment must be used properly and well maintained to ensure that trainees acquire adequate skills and are able to enter the job market with the required level of competence.

Concluding her speech, Ms Wanu assured that the Sixth Phase Government will ensure the presence of a skilled workforce in the country that contributes to achieving Tanzania’s ambition of a middle-income economy based on mass production and modern expertise.

Other officials present at the event included VETA’s Board Chairperson Prof Sifuni Mchome, Chemba District Commissioner Halima Okash and VETA Director General CPA Anthony Kasore.