Joseph Isangura
The Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has significantly ramped up its investment in higher education and healthcare development as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national capacity and regional leadership.
During a press briefing in Dodoma, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, announced a major increase in the student loan budget. The allocation will rise from TSh 464 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year to TSh 787 billion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year—marking the largest single-year increase in support for Tanzanian university students.
This strategic expansion is designed to ensure greater access to higher education, especially for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. “This is a transformative move that will directly empower our students,” said Prof. Mkenda, emphasizing that the government’s vision is to ensure that no capable student is left behind due to financial limitations.
In line with its education priorities, the government is also accelerating investments in medical education through the construction of Centers of Excellence in health sciences. According to Prof. Mkenda, two new centers will be established: one at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in collaboration with the University of Dodoma (UDOM), and the other at Mloganzila Hospital, which is part of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).
These additions will bring the number of regional health training hubs in Tanzania to three, strengthening the country’s position as a leading education and health destination in the East African Community (EAC).
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Further advancing this agenda, the government has committed $83 million USD toward the construction of a specialized center for cardiovascular science and education at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI). Once complete, the facility will focus on research, training, and treatment of heart and vascular diseases, and is expected to serve patients not only from Tanzania but from across the continent.
This expansion ties closely to President Samia’s broader developmental agenda, which emphasizes human capital, healthcare, education, and economic diplomacy. Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has championed reforms aimed at improving the lives of Tanzanians through strategic public investment, with an emphasis on sustainability and inclusion.
Her government’s drive is also aligned with the Vision 2025 national development framework, which prioritizes industrialization, high-quality social services, and a knowledge-based economy.
These moves reflect Tanzania’s determination to tackle key development bottlenecks—including healthcare capacity and access to tertiary education—while laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. “These aren’t just projects,” Prof. Mkenda added. “They are symbols of our collective commitment to a healthier, more educated, and more empowered Tanzania.”
