Mkenda seeks private sector backing to drive AI, data science education

DODOMA: The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda, has rallied private sector support to expand funding for higher education students, with a strong focus on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Dr Mkenda made the call during high-level talks with a delegation from Exim Bank Tanzania, held in Dodoma as part of ongoing efforts to drive education reforms.

The meeting brought together the bank’s senior leadership led by Chief Financial Officer Shani Kinswaga, alongside other officials, to explore new areas of cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Tanzania.

Discussions centred on unlocking financing opportunities for university students, particularly those pursuing studies in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and interdisciplinary sciences fields seen as key to shaping a future-ready workforce.

During the talks, the minister welcomed the bank’s willingness to partner with the government, noting that private sector participation is crucial in achieving the country’s education reform agenda.

“We must invest in science, technology and innovation to keep pace with global digital transformation,” he said, stressing the need to equip young Tanzanians with competitive, modern skills.

For its part, Exim Bank reaffirmed its commitment to support education development through sponsorships, training and other capacity-building programmes aimed at nurturing talent.

The engagement is expected to open the door for broader collaboration, with new initiatives likely to be rolled out to strengthen Tanzania’s education sector and workforce development.