Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is witnessing a growing wave of momentum in linking academia and industry, as universities, government, and private sector players intensify efforts to bridge the long-standing gap between graduates’ skills and the needs of the job market.
At the heart of this shift is the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), which on June 30, 2025 hosted a high-level Industry Forum in partnership with UNESCO, bringing together employers, policymakers, and academic leaders to strengthen collaboration in skills development and innovation.
The initiative is part of the Unesco-China Funds-in-Trust Phase III (CFIT III) Project, a four-year programme aimed at aligning higher education with labour market needs in Africa. In Tanzania, it is being implemented at UDSM and Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Opening the forum, acting director of Higher Education in the ministry of Education, Dr Kenneth Hosea, Science and Technology, emphasised that academia–industry collaboration is no longer optional but “a critical pillar in bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and market demands.”
He noted that the 2023 edition of the Education and Training Policy prioritises such partnerships and that forums like that represent a tangible commitment toward that goal.
“This forum exemplifies our national commitment to making higher education more relevant and responsive. We must ensure these partnerships outlive project funding and become institutionalised,” Dr Hosea said.
At UDSM, steps have already been taken. The university has established Industrial Advisory Committees (IACs), integrated external trainers from companies, and initiated student attachments and lecturer visits to partner industries such as Superdoll and Taifa Gas.
UDSM’s Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, noted: “This forum is a milestone in our journey to engage industry more deeply and produce a workforce that is both skilled and innovative.” “The CFIT III project has helped institutionalise tools that are transforming the way we interact with the private sector.”
Companies are also responding positively. CRDB Bank, Superdoll, and Taifa Gas were among those represented at the event and are already participating in initiatives such as curriculum reviews, mentorship programmes, and practical training.
“We need to move from theory-heavy training to practical, market-responsive education,” said a representative from the private sector, Mr Yusuph Mkwayu. “Employers are ready to support this transition if the collaboration is structured and sustainable.”
The push comes amid widespread concern from employers across sectors about graduates lacking the soft and technical skills needed in the modern job market. Experts argue that aligning education with industry needs is essential in tackling Tanzania’s youth unemployment, which remains a pressing socio-economic issue.
“Education without employability is a wasted investment,” said Ms Janeth Mushi, an economic expert and consultancy in Dar es Salaam. “These partnerships are vital if we are to equip youth with practical skills, not just academic credentials.”
Unesco reiterated that the forum marked more than the closure of CFIT III—it symbolised a shift in mindset.
“These partnerships must not end with workshops. They must be embedded in university cultures and corporate practices,” said a Unesco official speaking on behalf of the head of Dar es Salaam Office, Mr Michel Toto.
“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm here today. It shows that Tanzania is ready to move from dialogue to implementation.”
While UDSM is leading in this initiative, other institutions are following suit. At Mbeya University of Science and Technology, similar collaborations have emerged, especially in engineering, ICT, and renewable energy, supported under the same CFIT III project.
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has also built strong links with industry players through research partnerships and postgraduate internships.
“There’s a clear shift. Universities are beginning to see the industry not just as an employer but as a co-educator,” said Ms Mushi.
Stakeholders at the forum underscored the need to develop a sustainable roadmap to maintain the momentum.
“To truly transform education, academia and industry must co-create long-term solutions. This includes co-developing curricula, supporting applied research, and funding innovation hubs,” said Prof Anangisye.
The ministry of Education has pledged continued policy support and encouraged more universities to institutionalise industry engagement through advisory committees, tracer studies, and regular industry consultations.
