The Government has invested a total of TZS 57 billion in the construction of an Aviation Training Centre of Excellence at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) located in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, as part of its strategy to strengthen human capital and enhance the aviation sector in the country.
This was revealed by the Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, during an inspection tour of the newly completed buildings and modern training equipment at the centre.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Mbarawa said the government has made significant investments in modern infrastructure and training facilities to ensure Tanzanians access high-quality aviation education at affordable costs within the country.
“The government has invested heavily in procuring equipment and constructing modern facilities so that Tanzanian youths can receive quality education at affordable costs. Aviation training abroad is very expensive and many Tanzanians are unable to afford it. With the completion of this centre, more Tanzanians will now be able to pursue these studies locally,” said Prof. Mbarawa.
He added that the completion of the centre will significantly increase the number of locally trained aviation professionals, reduce reliance on foreign expertise and support the overall growth of the aviation sector in Tanzania.
On his part, the Rector of the National Institute of Transport, Engineer Prosper Mgaya, said that a total of 100 students have already graduated from the institute in aviation-related programmes, including pilot training, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance engineering.
Engineer Mgaya noted that the introduction of aviation programmes has attracted a growing number of young people to enrol at the institute, particularly in aircraft maintenance, cabin crew and pilot training programmes.
“Since the introduction of these programmes, there has been a strong surge in youth enrolment in aircraft maintenance, cabin crew and pilot training courses,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the NIT Governing Board, Prof. Ulingeta Bamba, said the education offered at the institute meets internationally recognised standards, and encouraged Tanzanian youths to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire globally competitive aviation training locally.
The Aviation Training Centre of Excellence at NIT is expected to become a key hub for producing skilled aviation professionals in Tanzania and the wider East African region, contributing to job creation, economic growth and the development of the aviation transport sector.