Dar es Salaam. Technology specialists have applauded Tanzania’s renewed dedication to strengthening science and technology coaching, noting that the shift locations the nation in a robust place to profit from rising alternatives in synthetic intelligence (AI), knowledge science, and different superior digital fields.
Their reactions observe President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s deal with to Parliament on Friday, November 14, throughout which she outlined a five-year roadmap for absolutely implementing the brand new skills-based schooling coverage.
“In the next five years, as we begin full implementation of the improved education policy that emphasises skills-based learning, we will continue to place greater focus on science and mathematics subjects,” President Hassan mentioned.
She famous that the long-term aim is to domesticate extremely specialised scientists in areas equivalent to knowledge science, synthetic intelligence, laptop science and industrial technology.
“We will use the Samia Scholarship Fund to support these scientists to study both locally and abroad,” she added. “This initiative will go hand in hand with completing special girls’ science secondary schools and boys’ talent schools in every region.”
Her remarks align with projections from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report, which signifies that 39 p.c of staff’ expertise will change by 2030. The report highlights AI, large knowledge, laptop networks and cybersecurity as among the many fastest-growing talent areas.
Analysts say the present shift represents greater than a curriculum adjustment. They argue that it marks the start of a major transformation of Tanzania’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Technology expert Dominick Dismas instructed The Citizen that the renewed focus on science aligns carefully with international labour market traits, the place demand has soared for AI engineers, machine-learning specialists and knowledge scientists.
“Industries across the world are increasingly dependent on data-driven systems, making advanced technical skills essential for economic competitiveness,” he mentioned.
“We are living in a world powered by data. Countries that invested in AI and advanced computing earlier are now benefiting through new jobs, technological innovation and increased foreign investment.”
According to him, the federal government’s renewed course reveals a transparent understanding of the place the worldwide financial system is heading.
App developer Jumanne Abdul agreed, noting that the President’s imaginative and prescient comes at a time when the worldwide race for AI innovation is intensifying. Smartphone producers, PC makers, automotive corporations and main AI labs are all competing to develop smarter units and extra clever methods.
“If thousands of young people in these fields are trained, international technology firms would have strong reasons to invest, recruit and build partnerships in Tanzania,” he mentioned.
AI expert Judith Raphael added that the federal government’s push might assist bridge the worldwide expertise hole.
“Every leading tech company is seeking AI experts, and Tanzania has a chance to supply top talent,” she mentioned, including that with the precise publicity, graduates might be part of multinational analysis programmes and high-level international tasks.
Beyond scholarships, the federal government has introduced plans to broaden STEM infrastructure by establishing particular ladies’ science faculties and boys’ expertise faculties in each area, alongside bettering digital connectivity between rural and city establishments.
Tech observers argue that international locations that strengthened their STEM ecosystems—whereas guaranteeing inclusive digital entry—have efficiently attracted international funding and constructed resilient scientific communities.
ICT expert Mahmood Yusuph mentioned these reforms might considerably increase nationwide development by positioning Tanzania to take part extra successfully in high-value digital industries.
“The future of industrialisation is tied directly to advanced technology. By investing in these skills early, Tanzania is laying the foundation for a competitive, innovation-driven economy,” he mentioned.
Software developer Abdul Kai added that the federal government’s STEM push might reshape the nation’s innovation panorama.
“By investing in computer science and data-driven disciplines early, Tanzania is creating a generation capable of developing software, AI applications and industrial technologies that meet global standards,” he mentioned.
He additional famous that integrating digital expertise into secondary and tertiary schooling would higher put together college students for fast technological change.
“The combination of scholarships, specialised schools and hands-on learning will equip young Tanzanians with the competence to compete internationally and contribute to local industries,” he added.