Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the delivery of technical and vocational education by opening doors to private sector investors, in a move aimed at expanding access to skills-based learning and modern infrastructure.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, made the announcement while concluding the parliamentary debate on the ministry’s 2025/2026 fiscal year budget. He said the government was actively welcoming partnerships with credible private entities to support the transformation of vocational training institutions across the country.
“We are ready to engage in discussions soon,” said Prof. Mkenda during the session held in Dodoma. “If you invest in line with national standards, bring in qualified instructors, and avoid charging fees that lock out students, then the government will consider partnering with you,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that a collaborative approach with the private sector would not only expand opportunities for Tanzanian youth but also help bridge the gap between classroom learning and job market demands.
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This announcement comes shortly after the Parliament of Tanzania unanimously passed a TSh 2.4 trillion budget for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The budget aims to support both recurrent expenditures and development projects during the 2025/2026 financial year.
Out of the approved allocation:
- A substantial portion is earmarked for infrastructure improvement and curriculum reforms in technical education.
- The remainder will be used to cover operational costs, including staff salaries and educational materials.
Prof. Mkenda also stressed the importance of maintaining quality in all private-public educational initiatives, noting that the ministry would closely monitor compliance with national standards, particularly in institutions offering skills-based training.
The approved education budget also supports five priority focus areas previously outlined by the ministry, including enhancement of primary and secondary education, teacher training, and the promotion of science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable national development.
The government’s renewed push for private sector involvement reflects a broader vision of fostering inclusive and market-responsive education. By drawing on both public and private expertise, Tanzania hopes to raise the quality and reach of its vocational education system in line with global trends.
