The Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has instructed the contractor, COMFIX & Engineering, to accelerate construction of key infrastructure under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) Mwanza Campus to ensure completion within the agreed schedule.
Ms Ameir issued the directive during an inspection tour of the project, where she also urged suppliers to deliver and install equipment and machinery on time to allow training programmes to commence as planned.
She warned that delays could undermine the government’s drive to equip young Tanzanians with relevant technical skills needed in the local and global labour markets, in line with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“The government is investing heavily in skills development. It is therefore critical that this project is completed on time so that young people can access quality training that meets market demands,” she said.
The Deputy Minister praised DIT management for effective supervision of campus operations and project implementation, noting that the initiative supports national priorities in agriculture, livestock and industrial development.
She said the leather technology subsector holds significant potential for employment creation and economic growth, adding that investments under EASTRIP are expected to generate lasting benefits for youth and surrounding communities.
Ms Ameir further assured DIT leadership and the public that the government will continue strengthening the Mwanza Campus, including increasing student enrolment from the current 358 to about 2,000.
She said feedback received during the visit had been taken into account and concrete steps were being implemented to ensure the project delivers its intended impact on national development.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Daniel Mushi, said the DIT Mwanza Campus is hosting a Regional Centre of Excellence in leather processing and manufacturing being established through EASTRIP.
He explained that the project involves construction of five major facilities: a teaching block, an academic building, two hostels and a modern workshop for practical training in leather product manufacturing.
Prof Mushi added that the project is being implemented by the government in partnership with development partners, including the World Bank, which has provided concessional financing.
He said the overall cost of the project is TZS37 billion, reflecting a major public investment aimed at improving training infrastructure and enhancing youth skills in the leather sector.
DIT Mwanza Campus Director, Dr John Msumba, said the campus has helped revive a once-declining sector caused by a shortage of skilled professionals.
He noted that industries are now accessing locally trained experts, reducing reliance on foreign specialists and strengthening Tanzania’s industrial base.