Zanzibar, India sign MoU to establish IIT

India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, commenced his 4-day visit to Tanzania , arriving in Zanzibar on Wednesday, July 5 .

During his meeting with President Mwinyi, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, marking the establishment of an offshore campus of India's renowned technical institute, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, in Zanzibar.

A step that marks a significant step toward bolstering educational collaboration between India and Zanzibar.

The historical relationship between India and Zanzibar spans across centuries, and in recent times, the bond between the two nations has expanded into various domains, with a particular focus on education and capacity building. Each year, several Zanzibari students pursue their educational aspirations in India through scholarships or self-financing. The collaborative efforts in the field of education will be further enhanced by the introduction of an offshore campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar.

The IITs, which were established in India post-independence, have played a pivotal role in providing the country with highly skilled technical professionals, contributing significantly to the nation's development. Today, the IITs boast a track record of technical excellence, with prominent global technology companies such as Google and IBM being led by CEOs who are proud alumni of these prestigious institutions. 

This initiative marks the first instance of the IITs venturing beyond Indian borders to establish a campus abroad. Dr. Jaishankar expressed his happiness that Zanzibar has hosted the first offshore IIT campus.

He conveyed his utmost confidence in the pivotal role that IIT Zanzibar will play in transforming the technical capacity building landscape not only in Tanzania but also throughout Africa. Looking ahead, he envisioned the students of IIT Zanzibar as the torch-bearers of technological progress, leading the way for the advancement of Tanzania, the entire African continent and the whole world.

The offshore campus will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and nurturing the next generation of technical experts.

The campus is expected to offer cutting-edge programs, attracting talented students from Tanzania and neighbouring African countries. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to support the educational aspirations of African students and contribute to the technological development of the continent.

The establishment of IIT Zanzibar signifies a milestone in the bilateral relations between India and Tanzania and reflects their shared vision for a future characterized by knowledge sharing, technological advancement, and mutual progress