The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is preparing to admit its first 360 students at its Lindi Campus in March 2027, with construction of the facility reaching 98 per cent completion.
The development is expected to expand access to higher education in the southern region while providing training in agricultural and livestock production and processing.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the progress during an inspection tour of the campus, where he commended the implementation of the project under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) programme.
According to a project update presented by UDSM Deputy HEET Project Coordinator, Prof Liberato Venant Haule, the first phase of construction had reached 98 per cent completion.
The campus will initially offer certificate and diploma programmes focusing on the production and processing of agricultural and livestock products.
The courses are expected to strengthen practical skills in agricultural value addition, an area with potential to support productivity, employment creation and the growth of agro-processing industries.
During the visit, Mr Ndejembi directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to consider giving the Lindi Campus priority in the second phase of the HEET programme, particularly in the construction of residential facilities for lecturers and other staff.
The directive highlights the need to provide supporting infrastructure alongside academic facilities as the university prepares to begin operations.
Mr Ndejembi was received by UDSM Chancellor and former President Jakaya Kikwete, Education, Science and Technology Minister Adolf Mkenda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Rose Acen Upor and Prof Haule.
The Lindi Campus is being developed under the government's HEET programme, which seeks to strengthen higher education infrastructure and improve the capacity of universities to provide training relevant to Tanzania's economic transformation.