During the pandemic, many universities struggled to maintain learning due to limited digital infrastructure. PHOTO | FILE
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s universities have embarked on a transformative digital journey to address critical gaps exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as inadequate digital infrastructure and limited online learning platforms.
With support from the World Bank-funded Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, four of the country’s top universities are leading this digital revolution.
These are the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Mzumbe University, and the University of Dodoma (UDOM).
During the pandemic, many universities struggled to maintain learning due to limited digital infrastructure.
Now, the HEET project is driving reforms aimed at enhancing online learning capabilities, strengthening ICT systems and modernising administrative processes.
At UDSM, the HEET project has spurred efforts to improve digital learning platforms and ICT infrastructure.
The university’s HEET project deputy coordinator, Dr Liberato Haule, on January 7, 2025, highlighted the institution’s focus on online education and disaster preparedness.
“We have been asking ourselves what potential disasters could disrupt learning? That is why we aim to make education delivery sustainable through online and distance learning,” Dr Haule said.
He further explained that UDSM’s plan involves leveraging digital tools to ensure that teaching continues uninterrupted in the event of crises such as pandemics or natural disasters.
“Our goal is to build a robust system that guarantees education access under any circumstances,” he added.
Key initiatives at UDSM include customising Moodle-based learning platforms, upgrading administrative systems, and introducing access control systems to boost campus security.
“We want to avoid situations where lecturers have to physically travel to other campuses. Technology will help us bridge the gap caused by a shortage of lecturers,” he told The Citizen.
At SUA, digital transformation efforts are focused on optimising both learning and administrative processes. A university report highlights investments in ICT infrastructure, online learning platforms and capacity-building initiatives.
“Through the HEET project, SUA is addressing connectivity challenges by establishing reliable ICT systems, upgrading internet bandwidth, and setting up solar backup systems,” reads part of the report.
The university is digitising the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) and collaborating with other libraries across Tanzania to provide remote access to resources.
This initiative aims to enhance academic research by ensuring that students and researchers can access critical agricultural literature and scientific resources from anywhere.
SUA aims to digitise at least half of its academic programmes by the end of the five-year project (2021-2026).
“This project enables us to develop an enterprise system for core operations such as admissions, examinations, and student management,” the report states.
The system will integrate various functions, promoting efficiency and better service delivery.
Mzumbe University is also leveraging the HEET project to enhance its digital capabilities, with a distinct focus on building a fully integrated digital university model that includes comprehensive course digitisation and seamless administrative processes.
Unlike other universities, Mzumbe’s approach prioritises creating a unified platform that supports both academic and administrative functions, aiming to streamline operations and improve the overall learning experience.
The institution has prioritised developing online learning platforms and integrating digital tools into academic and administrative services.
“The HEET project ensures our academic and administrative services are digitally delivered and enhanced,” a university newsletter noted.
Mzumbe has acquired course design software, improved internet connectivity, and expanded its local area network (LAN) coverage.
The university has introduced video-conferencing services to facilitate distance learning and administrative functions.
“These efforts will create an enabling environment for transforming Mzumbe into a digital university,” the statement added.
UDOM, another beneficiary of the HEET project, remains committed to advancing learning through digital transformation.
In its newsletter, the university emphasises the project’s role in enhancing its capacity to deliver effective online education.
“By leveraging technology, the project enables UDOM to adapt swiftly to unforeseen circumstances and strengthen its digital learning environment,” the newsletter stated.
The project supports UDOM in converting traditional campus-based academic programmes into digital formats for both distance learners and self-paced on-campus study.
This approach ensures students can access quality education regardless of their physical location.
UDOM’s Learning Management System (LMS) has undergone significant customisation to improve course delivery, student engagement, and assessments.
The project also focuses on building capacity among faculty members to deliver open and distance learning programmes.
“Faculty members receive training on innovative online teaching strategies, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality digital education,” the university noted.
Experts weigh in
Experts believe the digital transformation of higher education is essential to future-proof institutions against potential disruptions.
“Covid-19 was a wake-up call. Universities must embrace technology to remain relevant in a fast-changing world,” said education consultant Mr Jonas Mwaikinda.
Digital learning specialist, Dr Angela Malisa, stressed the importance of equipping both staff and students with digital skills, noting that critical skills such as digital literacy, data management, and cybersecurity awareness are essential for navigating modern learning environments.
“We must prioritise these areas to ensure students are not only consumers of digital content but also responsible and effective users of technology,” she said.
“Investing in ICT infrastructure is one thing, but building a culture of continuous learning and innovation is equally crucial,” she said.
The HEET project, funded through a low-interest World Bank loan, represents one of the largest investments by the Tanzanian government in its higher education sector, aiming to enhance education quality, align academic programmes with labour market demands, and improve the overall management of the higher education system.
The ultimate goal of the project is to position higher education as a catalyst for driving economic transformation by developing a skilled workforce.
The minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, emphasised the project’s importance in improving the quality of higher education in Tanzania.
He highlighted that HEET would strengthen the capacity of selected universities and institutes by building infrastructure, providing scholarships, and enhancing curricula to align with current global needs.
Prof Mkenda also underscored the project’s role in promoting transparency and quality within educational institutions.
He urged universities, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), and the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) to effectively utilise HEET funds to improve their service delivery.
“We must make sure that we converge on the high criteria for the provision of higher education rather than reducing the criteria for high admission... We must get to a place where we can compete with big foreign universities,” he stated.
Furthermore, Prof Mkenda encouraged lecturers to pursue further education and knowledge abroad, bringing back valuable insights to Tanzania.
He said, “Seek further education and knowledge abroad. We must learn from our peers.”
The HEET project is expected to address the critical need for high-skilled workers in priority areas with labour market-aligned competencies, thereby propelling the country’s economic development and transformation.
