PM calls for increased investment in education to drive innovation

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called for increased investment in education, research and innovation to equip Tanzanians with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

He said sustainable investment in education was critical in developing a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging economic opportunities, particularly in science, technology and innovation.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks today, November 12, 2026, when officially opening the Sixth International Quality Education Conference (IQEC 2026) in Dar es Salaam.

He said the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was undertaking various reforms aimed at strengthening the education system, improving learning outcomes and ensuring that young people acquire relevant skills for the country’s development.

The Prime Minister cited the expansion of scholarship opportunities as one of the initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education, noting that the programmes were enabling more students to pursue studies at different universities.

He said the country needed to place greater emphasis on innovation and ensure that people had access to the resources and opportunities required to develop solutions to national and global challenges.

Dr Nchemba urged participants to use the conference discussions on education financing to also reflect on how investment could strengthen innovation systems, improve the quality of education and expand access to learning opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships between the government, development partners, academic institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that education investments deliver meaningful results.

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The Prime Minister also welcomed international participants to Tanzania, inviting them to explore the country’s tourism attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro and its national parks.

He wished participants productive deliberations and meaningful partnerships before officially declaring the sixth IQEC open.