The private sector has been urged to increase investment in education and skills training to strengthen the workforce and ensure graduates meet the demands of Tanzania’s labour market.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said the 2014 Education and Training Policy (2023 edition) makes industry–college partnerships a requirement, not an option, to ensure the skills produced align with market needs and support economic growth.
She made the remarks on February 9, 2026, during the launch of the Colleges–Industry Collaboration Programme at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam.
“Following the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the ministry has developed a joint framework to strengthen collaboration between employers and training institutions. This is a deliberate strategy to ensure graduates are equipped with practical, market-ready skills,” Ms Ameir said.
The deputy minister noted that the ministry has already established 33 Industrial Advisory Committees and signed numerous memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with private companies.
These include 50 agreements between VETA and industries, over 250 agreements involving higher learning institutions, and 76 agreements with technical colleges.
“These partnerships have delivered measurable results. They have created opportunities for practical training and direct employment for our graduates. We recognise and appreciate the key stakeholders who have contributed to this success,” she said.
Ms Ameir highlighted successful collaborations, including Emirates Aluminium Company and VETA, which provide students and instructors with skills in aluminium and steel fabrication.
SATAN Corp. Ltd works with VETA to train graduates in bus and truck assembly, with over 80 per cent of their workforce coming from VETA graduates.
Other partnerships include Simba Supply Chain Services and the National Institute of Transport (NIT), which train graduates in logistics, engineering, ICT, and maintenance.
Precision Air runs industrial training and internship programmes, while Anna Fashion and VETA collaborate in garment production.
Kilimanjaro International Leather Industry Co. Ltd works with the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) to train students in leather processing and production technologies.
Concluding her speech, Ms Ameir praised private sector players, including Kagera Sugar, Magic Builders, and Magic Building Care, for offering employment opportunities and supporting practical training.
“Their contributions are invaluable to the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and prepare youth for the job market,” she said.
The Colleges–Industry Collaboration Programme is expected to deepen engagement between educators and employers, ensuring Tanzania’s education system produces skilled graduates who can contribute to industrial growth and national development.