Tanzania poised to become East Africa’s education hub

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is on the brink of becoming East Africa’s education powerhouse, thanks to ongoing transformative reforms in the sector.

With the New Education and Training Policy (2023 edition) set for launch on January 31, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country is making significant strides to reshape its education landscape.

The reforms, coupled with government initiatives to improve access to quality education, are laying a solid foundation for Tanzania to attract students from across the region in the coming years.

This was highlighted on January 13, 2025, during a regional education stakeholders’ forum held via Zoom, which brought together experts to deliberate on the future of the sector.

Historically, many Tanzanian parents sent their children to neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda for better education. However, this trend is rapidly changing as Tanzania strengthens its system.

The country now boasts top-tier English-medium schools, a growing number of vocational training centres, and improving higher education institutions. “We are witnessing a paradigm shift in Tanzania’s education system,” said regional education consultant Dr Edith Rugomola. “The reforms being implemented are holistic, touching every level of education, from primary to higher education. These changes will position Tanzania as a destination of choice for quality education in the coming years.”

The new policy aims to address key gaps in the current system by overhauling the curriculum to focus more on practical skills and critical thinking. The government is prioritising technical and vocational education to better prepare students for the job market. Kenyan policy analyst Dr Andrew Chisale noted, “Tanzania is making bold moves by prioritising vocational training. The new policy ensures that students are not just academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills to contribute to the economy.” The government is also promoting inclusivity by extending education loans to diploma students, making higher education more accessible. Meanwhile, the World Bank-supported Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project is driving major improvements in higher education infrastructure, research capabilities, and alignment with market needs.

“HEET is a game-changer for Tanzania’s higher education sector,” said a University of Dar es Salaam lecturer, Dr Liberato. “We’re seeing significant investments in research and innovation, which will position Tanzanian universities as centres of excellence in Africa.” The government is also increasing scholarships, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, to bridge gaps in critical sectors and encourage more students to pursue careers essential for national development. Decades ago, Tanzania was seen as an importer of education services, with parents seeking better opportunities abroad. Today, the narrative is changing. The rise of private schools offering high-quality education, improvements in government schools, and the growing number of vocational training centres reflect the country’s commitment to educational advancement.

A parent in Dar es Salaam, Ms Maria Nyaki, shared her perspective: “I no longer feel the need to send my children to Kenya for education. The schools here are excellent, and the government is doing a great job in improving the system.”

Experts believe that continued investment and policy reforms will soon make Tanzania an exporter of education services, attracting students from neighbouring countries.

“The government only needs to be supported by the private sector in ensuring that the goal is achieved,” said Ms Nyaki.

Several initiatives support this vision, including increased education funding, enhanced teacher training, and improved school infrastructure. The government is also integrating digital tools into learning to prepare students for the digital age.

“President Hassan’s administration has shown a strong commitment to education,” said education policy expert Peter Kimaro. “The policies and programmes being implemented are forward-looking and will have a lasting impact on the sector.”

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