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| Tanzania-China relations have significantly strengthened in recent years, following two state visits by President Samia. Photo: Courtesy |
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged Tanzanian education authorities to consider introducing Chinese language courses alongside other foreign languages currently taught in schools. Speaking on September 24, 2024, during the inauguration of an English-medium school in Songea, in southwestern Tanzania, the President emphasized the need for the education system to adapt to global trends.
“We have reformed our education curriculum to align with international standards, but I encourage you to explore additional languages that can offer economic advantages to our students,” President Samia remarked while addressing Education Minister Adolf Mkenda. “For instance, Chinese could be one such language, enabling our students to engage more effectively with countries that hold significant economic ties with Tanzania.”
She noted that 68 local councils nationwide have established English-medium public schools, reflecting a broader commitment to preparing students for participation in a globalized world.
“China is emerging as a global superpower, even though they still identify as part of the developing world,” the President explained to an audience of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders during the opening of Chief Zulu Primary School. “China will remain a key player in our economy. We cannot ignore that China is a dominant force in Africa's economic landscape. To engage effectively with them, it is vital to understand their language. This isn’t about preference but about facing the reality of our economic partnerships.”
Tanzania-China relations have significantly strengthened in recent years, following two state visits by President Samia. The first visit occurred in November 2022, and the second in September 2024 during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
China remains Tanzania’s largest source of imports, and Chinese companies have secured the majority of major construction contracts across the country. While educational collaboration between the two nations has primarily focused on higher education, particularly through projects at the University of Dar es Salaam, Chinese language training has already made inroads. The Confucius Institute at the university offers courses in Chinese, and several Tanzanian students have been awarded scholarships to pursue studies in China.