The Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) celebrated its 21st graduation ceremony today, with the Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, serving as the guest of honour.
The event highlighted DMI’s reputation as Tanzania’s leading centre for maritime education and professional training.
In his address to hundreds of graduates, parents, and guests, Deputy Minister Kihenzile reaffirmed the Government’s vision to establish Tanzania as the primary commercial gateway in East and Central Africa, in line with the National Development Vision 2050.
He stressed that the Government remains committed to strengthening the maritime and transport sectors through investments in port infrastructure, modern equipment, and technology, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for trade and transportation.
Kihenzile also directed DMI to carry out a comprehensive tracer study of graduates from 2020 to 2025.
The initiative will track employment trends, assess the relevance of skills acquired, and measure the contribution of DMI alumni to the maritime and transport sectors.
He underscored that while government initiatives expand opportunities, graduates must focus on personal development, creativity, and continuous learning to thrive in a competitive job market.
“Government is expanding opportunities, but personal effort, creativity, and continuous self-improvement are what will set you apart. Do not rely solely on formal employment build your own abilities,” he emphasized.
DMI Rector, Prof. Tumaini Gurumo, commended the Government for its support and reiterated the institute’s commitment to enhancing training quality.
He highlighted the adoption of modern technologies and strengthened international collaborations as key steps to ensure graduates meet global professional standards.
Prof. Gurumo added that the annual graduation ceremony reflects DMI’s sustained dedication to producing skilled professionals in port operations, maritime transport, engineering, and marine technologies.
The 21st graduation comes at a time when Tanzania is implementing significant reforms in the transport sector, particularly maritime operations.
With ambitious plans to position the country as a commercial gateway by 2050, the maritime sector is set to remain a vital contributor to jobs, trade, and investment.
Kihenzile’s call for graduates to develop personal competence resonates with the sector’s growing demand for skilled professionals capable of supporting new ports, ships, ICT systems, and logistics innovations.
Since its establishment, DMI has remained a cornerstone of maritime education in Tanzania, producing professionals equipped to seize opportunities created by the country’s 1,400-kilometre coastline, multiple port facilities, and expanding blue economy.
Today’s ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement but also the institute’s ongoing role in shaping the future of Tanzania’s maritime sector.