By Our Reporter, Dodoma
Tanzania is preparing to introduce 10 years of compulsory education from 2028, a move expected to increase pressure on secondary schools as the government works to ensure more young people gain the skills needed for employment.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Adolf Mkenda said preparations were underway to accommodate the expected rise in secondary school enrolment.
“The implementation of 10 years of compulsory education from 2028 will require adequate infrastructure, teachers and sufficient space in secondary schools,” Prof Mkenda said on Wednesday.
He said the policy would lead to “a significant increase in the number of students entering secondary education”, requiring the government to ensure that all eligible pupils have an opportunity to continue their studies.
The planned expansion is part of wider reforms aimed at making education more responsive to the needs of the labour market.
Prof Mkenda said the government was strengthening both general and vocational education so that students could acquire knowledge and practical skills that would enable them to secure employment or become self-employed.
“We are continuing to build vocational training colleges in different areas and strengthen technical training to meet the needs of young people and the national economy,” he said.
The government is also increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), alongside emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Prof Mkenda said the investment was intended to prepare students for a changing economy and the growing demand for specialised skills.
However, the expansion of compulsory education is likely to require substantial investment in classrooms, laboratories, teachers and other learning facilities.
Prof Mkenda stressed the importance of private-sector participation, particularly in expanding education infrastructure and vocational training.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof Carolyne Nombo said the government was considering stronger policy incentives to attract private investment into the education sector.
“We are looking at how we can improve policy incentives that will encourage greater private-sector investment in education,” Prof Nombo said.
The increased role of private investors could help complement government spending as the number of students requiring secondary and technical education grows.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be to ensure that expanding access also translates into better learning outcomes and skills that match opportunities in the labour market.
British High Commissioner to Tanzania Marianne Young welcomed the government's efforts and pledged continued cooperation in education and vocational training.
She said Britain would support stronger links between Tanzanian institutions and UK universities, particularly in emerging fields such as modern technology and environmental studies.
The planned 2028 expansion represents a major step in Tanzania's effort to widen access to education, but its success will depend on whether infrastructure, teachers and skills development keep pace with the rising number of students.