More than half of Tanzania’s public servants are teachers, underscoring their central role in building the skilled workforce needed to drive national development, the government has said.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government, Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said the country’s more than 312,000 public school teachers were instrumental in producing professionals and leaders across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Bukombe District, Geita Region, on October 9, Prof Shemdoe said teachers were not only responsible for imparting knowledge but also for shaping the values, discipline and abilities of future generations.
“We have more than 312,000 teachers in the public service, accounting for more than half of all public servants. This makes teachers a key pillar of the public service and national development,” he said.
His remarks highlight the scale of the government’s reliance on teachers to build the human capital required to support economic growth, improve public services and strengthen institutions.
Prof Shemdoe said the quality of the country’s future workforce depended largely on teachers, who prepare students to become doctors, engineers, agricultural experts, researchers and professionals in other fields.
Teachers also help shape future leaders in public service and politics, making their contribution extend well beyond the classroom, he added.
The recognition comes as Tanzania continues to depend on its education system to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required in a changing economy.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Bukombe MP Doto Biteko said teachers also played an important social role by instilling discipline, providing guidance and giving hope to children from families experiencing domestic challenges.
Mr Biteko said he had organised the district’s annual Teachers’ Day celebrations to recognise educators’ contribution and honour their work in shaping students’ futures.
He added that teachers helped children develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions, including those growing up in difficult family circumstances.
World Teachers’ Day is observed globally on October 5 each year. Bukombe District has held its local celebrations since 2019.
This year’s theme focuses on standing with teachers and marking 60 years of efforts to protect the profession, raise its status and shape the future.