Kikwete, Malala announce major education funding

Former President Jakaya Kikwete and a Pakistani female education activist, Ms Malala Yousafzai at Kibasila Secondary School during the GPE and Malala Fund event in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | ROSEMARY MIRONDO
What you need to know:
- Since joining the GPE in 2013, Tanzania has received over $344 million, which has been used to build nearly 3,000 classrooms, over 7,600 toilets, 64 teachers' houses, 18 new schools and 252 teacher resource centres, along with supplying more than 36 million textbooks.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's dedication to inclusive and gender-responsive education has once again garnered significant support from global partners.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Malala Fund have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the country's education sector.
During an official visit to Kibasila Secondary School on July 14, 2025, GPE Board chairperson and former President Jakaya Kikwete announced that Tanzania is set to receive $88 million in grants from GPE, beginning in 2026. This funding aims to enhance the quality of education and increase access throughout the country.
“This funding reflects the international community's recognition of the progress Tanzania has made in promoting inclusive education, especially for girls,” said Mr Kikwete.
Since joining the GPE in 2013, Tanzania has received over $344 million, which has been used to build nearly 3,000 classrooms, over 7,600 toilets, 64 teachers' houses, 18 new schools and 252 teacher resource centres, along with supplying more than 36 million textbooks.
He emphasised that the upcoming $88 million grant is part of GPE's ongoing commitment, stating: “We are now working on the next phase of our program that starts in 2026. This support will not stop—if anything, it will grow stronger as long as Tanzania maintains this path.”
To qualify for GPE funding, countries must demonstrate a strong national education plan that promotes equity, efficiency, and positive outcomes. Tanzania has distinguished itself through its inclusive approach and bold policy reforms, such as the re-entry policy for schoolgirls who drop out due to pregnancy and expanded access to secondary education.
“Tanzania is proving that commitment to girls' education is not just a slogan—it is both policy and practice,” said Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Malala Fund, which works alongside GPE to support girls' education globally.
Ms Yousafza, who celebrated her 28th birthday in Tanzania by announcing a $3 million donation to support girls who dropped out of school, praised the re-entry policy.
“It was a bold and necessary move that ensures girls are not left behind due to early pregnancies or other socio-economic challenges," she stated.
Deputy minister for Education, Science and Technology Mr Omary Kipanga, who also attended the event, noted that the government is not only focused on promoting access but also aims to encourage girls to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“We are proud of initiatives like the Samia Scholarship, launched in 2023, which has benefited 1,320 girls, providing them the opportunity to pursue science-based studies in higher learning institutions,” Mr Kipanga said. “The re-entry policy and this scholarship are part of a broader strategy to ensure that girls thrive in education.” He added that collaboration with institutions like GPE and the Malala Fund significantly supports Tanzania's efforts to meet the Education 2030 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.
According to education analyst Dr Neema Mwakalinga, the partnership between GPE and the Malala Fund provides more than just financial aid—it offers technical expertise, advocacy, and global awareness.
“This collaboration is crucial because it strengthens national systems while advocating for reforms where they matter most—such as improving learning outcomes and gender equity,” Dr Mwakalinga told The Citizen. “Tanzania stands to benefit not only from funding but also from the exchange of knowledge and best practices.”
Both GPE and the Malala Fund are committed to ensuring that no child—especially girls—is left behind. Their joint visit sends a powerful message of global solidarity with Tanzania's efforts.
As Mr Kikwete concluded: “With the kind of support we are receiving and the leadership Tanzania has demonstrated, I am confident that we will continue to build a strong, inclusive education system that serves all children equally.”