Tanzania is turning its domestic resources into a powerful tool to improve education and secure a brighter future for its citizens, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Dr. Doto Biteko has said.
Speaking at the opening of the 5th International Conference on Quality Education, themed “Strengthening Systems and Investments: Advancing Domestic Resource Mobilization for Inclusive, Quality, and Sustainable Education in Africa,” Dr. Biteko said that education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress.
“Investing in quality education is not just about schools and budgets; it is about changing lives,” he said.
“Studies show that quality education contributes 20–30% to a country’s long-term economic growth, and individuals with higher education earn 50–100% more than those without it.”
Dr. Biteko highlighted that the government has increased the education budget from TZS 4.72 trillion in 2020/21 to TZS 6.16 trillion in 2024/25.
This investment has improved school facilities, learning environments, and expanded free secondary education.
Funding for free secondary education alone rose from TZS 312 billion in 2020 to TZS 796 billion in 2024, benefiting more than 16 million students across the country.
“The increased funding has reduced financial barriers that previously held back students from accessing quality education,” he said. “Now, more children are in classrooms, learning and preparing for the future.”
Dr. Biteko stressed that Africa faces a teacher shortage, particularly in rural areas. By 2030, the continent will need 17 million teachers to ensure all children receive quality primary and secondary education.
Robust digital learning systems are also essential to equip students with the skills needed for the modern world.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dennis Londo, emphasized that mobilizing both financial and human resources will directly improve the quality of education and make it more accessible to ordinary citizens.
Professor Carolyne Nombo,Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said the conference comes at a crucial time when government investments are transforming education.
“This is a moment for all stakeholders to work together to ensure every Tanzanian child can access quality education that meets international standards,” she said.
Belay Addise, Regional Manager for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), praised Tanzania’s collaboration with international partners since 2013, which has brought nearly USD 348 million to support educational projects, benefiting teachers, students, and communities.
Martha Makala, Coordinator of the Education Network Tanzania, said the participation of policymakers and experts at the conference will help turn discussions into practical improvements, directly impacting students, teachers, and families.
As Tanzania continues to channel domestic resources into education, millions of children now have better schools, more teachers, and the tools to achieve their dreams—showing how investment in education is truly an investment in citizens’ futures.