President Samia bags fifth honorary degree
Hee Young Hurr, (R) President of Korean Aerospace University presenting President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with a Honorary Doctorate certificate in in the aviation sector. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- In her acceptance speech, President Hassan highlighted the promising future and vast potential of Tanzania's aviation industry.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has received her fifth honorary degree, ‘Honoris Causa,’ from Korean Aerospace University (KAU), in recognition of her exceptional management and contributions to the aviation sector in Tanzania.
The award was conferred during her visit to Seoul, South Korea, where she is undertaking a six-day tour.
KAU President Hee Young Hurr lauded President Hassan’s significant impact on Tanzania's development, especially in aviation.
"We recognize her exceptional dedication and influence, particularly in the aviation sector, including airport infrastructure development," said Hurr
. "We look forward to the continued growth and success of Tanzania's aviation sector and economy under her guidance."
In her acceptance speech, President Hassan highlighted the promising future and vast potential of Tanzania's aviation industry.
"Our vision is to develop a dynamic aviation industry, positioning Tanzania as a preferred destination for investment, trade, and tourism," she stated. "We are currently reviewing our civil aviation master plan to provide strategic direction for sustainable development, aligning with our broader economic and social goals."
President Hassan attributed the growth of the aviation sector to the government's strategic investments, including the revitalization of the national carrier, Air Tanzania.
She noted significant progress, with Air Tanzania's domestic market share increasing to 53 percent from 2.4 percent, and passenger volumes rising by 42 percent, from 4.8 million in 2015 to 6.8 million in 2024.
"The sector's contribution to Tanzania's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has improved from 0.9 percent in 2018 to 2.55 percent in 2023," she added.
President Hassan’s previous honorary degrees include:
November 30, 2022: University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) for contributions to Tanzania's economy, democracy, gender equality, and education access.
October 2023: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), India, as the first woman honoree, recognizing her leadership.
December 2023: State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), for her work in promoting tourism and economic development.
April 2024: Ankara University, Türkiye, the second largest university in the country.
