Tanzania, China agree to bolster TVET system to equip youth with industrial skills

TIANJIN: TANZANIA and China have agreed to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip young people with industry-relevant skills and prepare professionals for the demands of a modern economy.

The agreement was reached on October 15, 2026, during talks between Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, and China’s Deputy Minister of Education, Ren Youqun, in Tianjin, China.

During the talks, Ms Ameir said China has remained an important partner in Tanzania’s education development through infrastructure projects, scholarships, professional training and exchanges of experts.

She cited the construction of the University of Dar es Salaam library and the Kagera Regional Vocational Training and Service Centre as examples of cooperation that had expanded learning opportunities and improved educational facilities.

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“Tanzania intends to maximise opportunities under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), including plans to establish four vocational training colleges designed to meet the skills requirements of industry and technology and support the country’s Development Vision 2050,” the deputy minister said.

Additionally, the initiative also aligns with the Education and Training Policy of 2014, revised in 2023, which emphasises practical training and modern skills.

On his side, Mr Ren said China is committed to continuing student scholarship programmes and exchanges involving students and experts adding that China will expand academic support and vocational and technical training opportunities for Tanzanian youth to strengthen the country’s human resource capacity for development projects.

According to Mr Ren, ongoing cooperation have supported practical training, curriculum improvement and exchanges between Chinese and Tanzanian institutions.

More than 2,000 young Tanzanians have already benefited from training in construction and engineering, a development expected to strengthen technical education and provide skilled personnel for economic development.