The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education to equip Tanzanian youth with practical skills that meet labour market demands locally and abroad.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam today, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Carolyne Nombo, said the government is determined to align the education system with national development priorities by producing graduates who are competent, innovative, and ready for both employment and self-employment.
Prof. Nombo said the 2014 Education and Training Policy (2023 Edition) places strong emphasis on skills-based learning, urging vocational institutions to improve training quality and infrastructure. She said the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) continues to expand access and enhance standards across the country.
“VETA has been upgrading curricula, infrastructure, and teaching methods. Currently, there are over 900 centers enrolling nearly 300,000 students each year, while 64 new centers are being constructed at the district level to reach more youth,” she said.
Prof. Nombo urged industrial stakeholders to continue working closely with education institutions to promote innovation and youth creativity, turning skills into production and enterprise.
“When we link education with innovation and business, we empower young people to drive national growth,” she said.
VETA Director General, CPA Antony Kasore, said the authority is strengthening partnerships with industries, employers, and education stakeholders to ensure training programs reflect real market needs. He said the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, has prioritized inclusive and practical vocational education.
“The number of operational VETA colleges has grown from 37 to 80, with another 65 in various stages of completion,” said CPA Kasore. “We continue to collaborate with international partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, GIZ, and KOICA to provide modern learning tools, hands-on training, and start-up support for graduates.”
He added that instructors are also being equipped with new technological skills to keep pace with industry changes. “We want our students to learn through practical experience and our trainers to stay updated with evolving technologies,” he said.