Tanzania's $54bn Vocational Overhaul Aims for 43% Enrollment Boost

Tanzania Expands Vocational Education to Address Youth Unemployment

Tanzania is making significant strides in its education sector by planning to increase vocational education and training (VETA) enrollment by 43 percent in the upcoming academic year. This initiative is part of a broader skills reform that includes a Sh54 billion investment, aimed at modernizing technical institutions and enhancing the country’s workforce capabilities.

The funding will be allocated through the five-year Technology Enhanced Learning Mentoring Support (TELMS II) project, which is backed by a concessional loan from the Italian government. The project, set to run from 2025 to 2030, focuses on upgrading technical institutions, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship. It was officially announced on August 8, 2025, with several key institutions expected to benefit, including the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), Arusha Technical College (ATC), and Zanzibar’s Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

“This project aligns with our new Education and Training Policy by investing in human capital and preparing a generation of skilled young people capable of contributing to national development,” said the acting director of higher education at the Ministry of Education, Dr Kenneth Hosea.

Expansion of Institutions and Enrollments

Under the 2025/26 education budget, the government plans to register 100 new vocational and technical training institutions. This move will bring the total number of technical colleges to 504 and vocational training centers to 898 across the country. Student enrollment in the sector is projected to reach 265,000 next year, up from 185,000 — marking a 43 percent increase.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa emphasized that these reforms place VET at the center of efforts to reduce youth unemployment and equip young people with market-relevant skills. “The government has heavily invested in VETA’s infrastructure and curricula to ensure young Tanzanians receive skills that meet labor market needs,” he stated during an inspection of VETA facilities in Lindi Region.

Enhancing Quality and Standards

To ensure quality, the government will also certify 70 additional institutions to meet required standards. New libraries, laboratories, and workshops are being constructed, including a state-of-the-art library in Arusha designed to accommodate over 1,000 students at a time.

According to the Ministry of Education, the reforms emphasize competency-based learning, digital literacy, and the early integration of technical training into the education system. The policy also recognizes informal skills, supports entrepreneurship, and promotes public-private partnerships to align training with industry needs.

Expert Opinions and Challenges

Education experts have welcomed the renewed focus on vocational training, noting that university degrees alone have not addressed the issue of youth unemployment. “Technical and vocational education is more agile and responsive to industry needs,” said education policy analyst Dr Consolata Mushi.

However, she cautioned that for the reforms to succeed, curricula must keep pace with industry developments. “Curricula need constant updates, and private-sector employers should be actively involved in shaping what is taught so that graduates are ready for work or self-employment,” she added.

Education consultant David Kimaro echoed this sentiment, urging stronger partnerships between colleges and industries. “Our technical colleges can partner with industries to create real-time learning opportunities. Let’s not train in isolation — we must train for the real world,” he said. He also stressed the importance of continuous training for instructors, as technology evolves rapidly and trainers must keep pace to prepare students for modern workplaces.

International Inspiration and Local Adaptation

Tanzania’s reforms draw inspiration from successful models abroad. In Germany, the dual vocational system combines classroom instruction with apprenticeships in industry. In South Korea, investment in technical high schools and polytechnics supported rapid industrialization.

The Ministry believes adapting such models to local needs can help Tanzania develop a workforce capable of driving industrial growth. “We’re proud of the partnership with Italy and the potential it has to support our national goals,” said the director of Technical and Vocational Training and national coordinator for TELMS II, Dr Fredrick Salukele.

Sustained Investment and Equity

Stakeholders warn that sustained investment and equitable access will be vital for the success of these reforms. Rural facilities often lag behind urban ones, and more needs to be done to support girls and marginalized youth.

For Dr Mushi, the reforms’ success will depend on implementation. “Policies are only as good as their implementation. This momentum must continue beyond the launch phase,” she said.