Investing in education to secure ‘Blue Future’

ZANZIBAR: UNDER a bright January sky at Buyu, applause erupted as students, academics and leaders gathered to mark both Zanzibar’s 62nd Mapinduzi anniversary and the commissioning of new facilities at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS).

The moment captured a broader national message: that the Revolution’s promise continues through investment in education, science and technology.

At the heart of this vision is President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose emphasis on human capital development has placed higher education and research at the centre of Tanzania’s transformation agenda.

Addressing the gathering, President Samia said the Zanzibar Revolution can only attain its full meaning when it is reinforced by economic, social and technological transformation, a goal she stressed cannot be achieved without sustained investment in education.

“Mapinduzi was about dignity, opportunity and self-determination,” she said.

“Today, those values must be protected and advanced through knowledge, science and innovation.”

She described the IMS Buyu facilities as proof that Mapinduzi is not a historical event frozen in time, but a continuing journey of nation building.

The President noted that the facilities were constructed to modern international standards, supporting advanced teaching, research and innovation.

She praised the completion of the project within a year of the foundation stone laid by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, calling it evidence of accountability and results-oriented leadership.

“This shows what is possible when there are discipline, commitment and clear vision,” she said.

She emphasised the strategic importance of marine science to Tanzania, given the country’s long coastline, island geography and dependence on marine resources.

“Our future development is directly linked to the ocean,” she said.

“Marine science is not optional, it is essential.”

Her remarks resonated with Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, who said the Blue Economy must be anchored in strong academic institutions.

“We cannot protect what we do not understand,” Dr Kikwete said.

“IMS is equipping Tanzania with the knowledge and skills required to responsibly harness our marine resources.”

The event also drew education leaders from Zanzibar, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Mr Khamis Abdalla Said, who said the Institute complements Zanzibar’s broader education reforms.

“IMS is not only training scientists,” he said.

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“It is shaping problem-solvers who will address climate change, food security and sustainable livelihoods.”

Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Khadija Salum, highlighted the importance of gender inclusion and youth participation in marine sciences.

“We are encouraged to see more young women enrolling in these programmes,” she said.

“The Blue Economy must be inclusive if it is to succeed.”

President Samia also acknowledged the role of development partners, particularly the World Bank, which supported the project through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) programme. She said aligning higher education with labour market needs is critical for national growth.

Under the expansion, IMS is introducing and strengthening programmes in oceanography, marine fisheries, mariculture, marine spatial planning and coastal ecotourism, directly linking academic training to national development priorities.

For students, the President’s visit and the Mapinduzi celebrations were deeply inspiring.

“When the President talked about education and the ocean, it felt personal,” said Jackline John, a postgraduate student.

“We realised that our studies matter to the country.”

Another student, Neema Suleiman, said the improved hostels and learning environment have transformed student life.

“We feel respected and valued,” she said.

“That motivates us to work harder.”

As Zanzibar marks 62 years since the Revolution, the partnership between political leadership and academic institutions stands out as a defining feature of contemporary development.

Through her engagement with IMS, President Samia has reinforced the idea that Mapinduzi lives on, not only in speeches and ceremonies, but in classrooms, laboratories and young minds preparing to shape Zanzibar’s Blue Future.