The Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) Mwanza Campus has increased its student enrolment capacity from 100 to  over 3,000. With funding from the World Bank and Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the polytechnic has constructed state-of-the art teaching facilitates and procured modern equipment to equip students with practical skills to meet industry demands.

During the World Bank supervision mission to the college on 18th November 2024, the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Augustine Mbitila, highlighted the project’s transformative impact, citing improvements in infrastructure and the acquisition of advanced equipment.  He noted that through the project, the institute has developed international partnerships, particularly within the leather industry, including instructor exchanges with Ethiopia that involves sending DIT Mwanza instructors for training and welcoming Ethiopian trainers to share their expertise

Delegation of Officials from World Bank, Inter- University Council for East Africa(IUCEA), Ministry of Education Science and Technology(MoEST) and DIT Management Team led by Director of Technical Education and Vocational Training from MoEST Dr.Frederick Salukele (Five left) in Group photo during EASTRIP Implementation Support Mission held at DIT -Mwanza Campus.

The increased capacity will allow, allows for a much wider range of short-term and long-term programs.  The growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about equipping students with practical skills through modern teaching and learning tools, better preparing them for industry demands.

The number of training programs offered has expanded from two to eight, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the leather manufacturing value chain.  Dr. Frederick Salukele, Director of Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, further emphasized the project’s success, announcing that new infrastructure built under EASTRIP will be fully operational by the end of November 2024. He urged students to maintain these high-standard facilities to ensure their long-term use.

By Joshua Kasase, Public Relation Officer, DIT Mwanza