Dodoma invests in data, AI talent for industrial growth

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has taken a decisive step toward positioning itself in the fourth industrial revolution, committing significant public investment to develop highlevel skills in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS/AI).

Through the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ programme, the government is funding advanced technology education for topperforming students, signalling a strategic shift toward a knowledge-driven, innovationled economy.

Under the programme, a total of 2.048 million US dollars will be spent to support 16 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and allied sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa.

Each student costs approximately 32,000 US dollars per year, covering tuition and related academic expenses. The first cohort departed Tanzania on Sunday, marking the operational launch of what is being described as one of the country’s most forward-looking human capital investments.

The scholarship initiative is anchored in the government’s broader ambition to transform Tanzania into a semi-industrialised, middle-income economy driven by science, technology and innovation.

By prioritising DS/AI, fields that underpin automation, advanced analytics, digital platforms and smart systems, the programme directly aligns higher education with evolving labour market demands.

Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) Director General, Dr Amos Nungu said the programme aimed to build a knowledge-based economy powered by a new generation of highly skilled young professionals.

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He described the Samia Extended Scholarship as more than just financial support for students; it is a strategic national investment in building a knowledge‑driven economy.

He said the programme sends a clear message that the country intends to actively participate in the fourth industrial revolution by developing a cadre of globally competitive experts in data science, artificial intelligence and related fields, which are essential for long‑term economic transformation and business innovation.

The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, underscored the economic rationale behind the investment.

“In today’s world, science and technology are essential for national progress,” Prof Mkenda said.

He said that data science and artificial intelligence are already reshaping critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture, business, education, security and environmental management.

“Without investing in these fields, our nation risks falling behind and losing its autonomy. We must invest in science and technology to secure our future.” He added that the country must move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of solutions using advanced digital skills.

The 16 students heading to Johannesburg are among 50 top Form Six graduates who excelled in science subjects nationwide for this financial year. Before being placed in international universities, all 50 underwent an intensive 10-month bootcamp at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha.

The programme focused on advanced mathematics, computing and academic readiness, ensuring students were competitive for admission to leading global institutions.

Of the remaining cohort, 34 students are set to pursue further studies in Ireland at universities known for strong academic standards and close industry linkages.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo, expressed confidence that the initiative would produce a new generation of globally competitive Tanzanians capable of contributing meaningfully to technological advancement.

From a policy and business perspective, the structured pipeline from identifying top local talent to providing rigorous preparation and global exposure reduces skills mismatch and improves the long-term return on public investment in education.

Beyond academic training, the programme places strong emphasis on practical, industryoriented experience. At the University of Johannesburg, students will engage with leading technology companies and industries in South Africa, gaining hands-on exposure to real-world applications of data science and artificial intelligence.

Such experience is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s future workforce in areas such as digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and innovation across both the public and private sectors. Scholarship beneficiaries have described the initiative as transformative.

Ms Malaika Florence said that the NM-AIST bootcamp equipped students with not only technical expertise but also financial management skills critical for studying abroad.

She said that upon completing their four-year studies, graduates intend to apply their knowledge to national development priorities and support the implementation of Tanzania Vision 2050. Another beneficiary,

Mr Simon Simon, described the scholarship as a rare opportunity to drive economic transformation, urging young people to take advantage of merit-based opportunities aligned with future skills. From an economic standpoint, the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ programme represents a strategic, long-term investment in human capital. While the costs are substantial, the potential returns, higher productivity, innovation capacity, reduced reliance on foreign expertise and stronger participation in the global digital economy are significant.

As the students embark on their academic journey, they carry with them the hopes of a nation committed to building a future anchored on science, technology and sustainable development. Last November, while launching the parliament, Samia Suluhu noted that within five years of her leadership, she will place greater emphasis on increasing the number of experts, researchers and schools offering science-related subjects.

These scholarships targeted advanced fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Science and other related disciplines.

When presenting his ministry’s budget to parliament in May 2025, Prof Mkenda underscored that the government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, had launched a special scholarship initiative for top-performing Advanced Level (Form Six) science students. The programme aims to support undergraduate and postgraduate studies at leading universities worldwide.