DAR ES SALAAM: WORLD Bank Regional Vice-President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwakwa has called on Tanzania to strengthen collaboration with the World Bank to address social challenges, particularly in the education sector.
Speaking over the weekend during her visit to the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Ms Kwakwa commended the government for its efforts in tackling challenges and investing in education, emphasising the importance of continued partnership.
“I urge the Tanzanian government to work closely with the World Bank to sustain investments in education and address the challenges facing young people,” she said after she assessed the progress of the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), funded by the World Bank, as part of her official tour of the country.
Ms Kwakwa highlighted the intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Tanzanian youths, stressing the need for greater support from visionary leaders.
“Given the opportunity, Tanzanian youths can do great things; they are smart and entrepreneurial,” she noted.
She also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Minister for Education, Prof Adolf Mkenda, for their commitment to education.
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Additionally, she lauded Tanzania’s achievement of ranking first in East Africa and second in Africa for effective internet usage but noted that more progress is needed.
In response, Prof Mkenda expressed the government’s appreciation for the World Bank’s ongoing support in advancing education.
“In the past, the World Bank dictated investment priorities. Today, they listen to what countries need and collaborate with us to achieve our goals,” he said.
He also thanked Ms Kwakwa as she nears the end of her tenure and assured continued collaboration through World Bank Education Director Nathan Belete.
The World Bank has played a key role in financing projects such as EASTRIP, the BOOST Project (primary education), SEQUIP (secondary education expansion), ESPJ (youth skills and employment) and HEET (higher education development).
The partnership between Tanzania and the World Bank remains crucial in shaping the nation’s education sector and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
