THE World Bank (WB) has urged Tanzania to tighten its grip on collaboration and steer the country’s education sector towards a brighter and more sustainable future.
The call to action came from the World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwakwa, during her visit to the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) mid-march 2025 to assess the progress of the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). She applauded the government’s efforts in tackling social challenges through education but insisted that the job is far from done.
“I urge the Tanzanian government to continue working closely with the World Bank(WB) to ensure sustained investment in the education sector and to collectively address the challenges faced by the youth,” she stated.
She painted a picture of Tanzania’s youth as diamonds in the rough—brilliant, resourceful, and entrepreneurial, but in need of polishing through the right support structures emphasizing that given the right tools and opportunities, the youths could carve out innovations that would not only transform Tanzania but also place it firmly on the global stage.
Prof Adolf Mkenda, the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Tanzania in turn, extended his appreciation to the World Bank, acknowledging the evolution of its partnership which he says has matured into one of mutual respect with Tanzania’s national priorities. Prof Mkenda expressed gratitude to the World Bank for several other education initiatives—the BOOST Project, which fortifies primary education; SEQUIP, expanding secondary school opportunities; ESPJ, sharpening youth skills and employment prospects; and HEET, which is elevating higher education institutions.
During her visit, Ms Kwakwa whose tenure at the World Bank is coming to an end assured the institution that the momentum it has gained would not falter but would be carried forward by the World Bank’s Director for Education in Tanzania, Nathan Belete.
Once a male-dominated domain, the institution is now witnessing an increase of female students enrolling for courses in technology and innovation.
By Consolata Shoo, the Public Relations Officer, DIT
