UK, Tanzania strengthen education partnership

DODOMA: TANZANIA’S preparations to roll out 10 years of compulsory education from 2028 have received fresh backing from the United Kingdom, with the two countries agreeing to deepen cooperation in skills training, higher education and emerging technologies.

The commitment was made yesterday during talks between Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda and British High Commissioner to Tanzania Marianne Young in Dodoma, as the government accelerates plans for one of the country’s biggest education reforms.

The reform is expected to significantly increase the number of pupils progressing to secondary school, prompting the government to strengthen school infrastructure, increase the number of teachers and expand learning facilities before implementation begins.

“The increase in the number of students entering secondary education will be significant,” Prof Mkenda said, adding that strategies were already being developed to ensure all eligible learners continue with their studies.

He said the government was also expanding technical and vocational education to provide young people with both academic knowledge and practical skills that would improve their prospects for employment and self-employment.

“As part of the effort, the government is constructing vocational training colleges in different parts of the country while expanding technical and vocational education to respond to the needs of young people and the wider national economy,” he said.

Ms Young reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting education and technical and vocational training, saying the partnership would strengthen links between Tanzanian institutions and British universities.

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She said the collaboration would focus on emerging fields, including advanced technology and environmental studies, to help prepare students for a rapidly changing global economy.

Prof Mkenda said the government was also increasing investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), alongside newer disciplines such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity.

He said the expanded focus would help produce a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly technologydriven labour market.

Prof Mkenda also called for greater private-sector participation in expanding education opportunities, particularly through investment in school infrastructure and vocational education.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo said the government was considering improved policy incentives to encourage more private-sector investment in the education sector.