The government has committed TZS52.27 billion to expand and improve technical and vocational education, a move aimed at equipping Tanzanian youth with practical skills, enhancing job opportunities, and boosting innovation across the country.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said the investment demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure young people acquire skills that meet local and international labour market demands.
Speaking on December 15, 2025, at the 19th graduation ceremony (second round) of the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) Mwanza Campus,Wanu highlighted that the funding targets both modern infrastructure and quality learning tools to prepare students for competitive careers.
Through the Eastern Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the government has invested TZS 37 billion to construct state-of-the-art facilities for leather technology at DIT Mwanza Campus.
The facilities will provide students with hands-on training, fostering innovation and practical skills for employment or entrepreneurship in the leather industry.
Additionally, under the Technical Education and Labour Market Systems Phase II (TELMS II) project, TZS 15.27 billion has been allocated to provide modern teaching and learning equipment, ensuring students receive high-quality, market-relevant training.
Wanu said access to technical education has significantly expanded. Student enrolment increased from 161,750 in the 2023/2024 academic year to 199,118 in 2024/2025, while the number of technical colleges rose from 441 to 512.
This growth is bringing education closer to communities and opening opportunities for more young people.
To improve teaching quality, the government has trained 912 instructors in competence-based curricula, while 45 instructors received advanced training in leather value chain technologies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet industry needs.
Looking ahead, Wanu said the government plans to accredit 70 additional technical and vocational institutions in the 2025/2026 financial year, raising the total to 582.
Plans also include training 1,000 teachers and updating curriculum assessment systems to align with technological and industrial developments.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Prof Daniel Mushi said the investment is part of the government’s strategy to prepare young Tanzanians for productive careers, drive industrial growth, and foster innovation in communities.
“This is about creating real opportunities for our youth equipping them with skills that can transform their lives, their families, and the communities they serve,” Prof Mushi said.