Africa-Press – Tanzania. DEPUTY Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has stressed that Tanzania will continue to produce young people with skills that meet the needs of domestic and foreign markets to address employment challenges and stimulate economic growth.
She also instructed the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) to continue embracing innovation and research aligned with societal needs to address existing challenges and create jobs through research.
She made the remarks on Monday in Arusha during a visit to NM-AIST, where she inspected various innovations and the construction of a student hostel aimed at providing accommodation for students at the institution.
She said the government has prioritised managing the transformation of emerging technologies, including building national capacity in artificial intelligence, collaborative science and expert preparation through the Samia Scholarship in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Commission for Science and Technology (CoSTECH).
“The nation relies on researchers and innovators in digital transformation. You, students who have received this funding must also uphold Tanzanian values, traditions and customs. Ensure the nation depends on you and does not become dependent, as this programme opens many opportunities for global admission and studies,” she said.
She directed that 50 students be assisted by the NM-AIST to apply for funding from top global universities, noting that the government will continue strengthening training and innovative thinking, including accelerating the hostel project while resolving remaining financial challenges and seeking alternative donor funding sources.
NM-AIST Vice-Chancellor Professor Maulilio Kipanyula congratulated the 50 students enrolled through the special Samia Scholarship camp in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Collaborative Science, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry and CoSTECH.
Prof Kipanyula said the government’s mission through NM-AIST is to prepare young people to drive technological transformation, noting that students have already received scholarships in Liberia, South Africa and Russia and are processing travel permits.
She said 10 students have secured funding in South Africa, while 16 and 34 are preparing to study in various countries, adding that the institution provides preparatory training to ensure Tanzania develops experts in this fast-growing field.
“I thank the government for trusting us and enabling these opportunities, which we will utilise well to solve national challenges,” he said.
The programme began on September 15, 2025, as part of the government’s strategic plan to build professionals in Data Science, Collaborative Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to strengthening science and mathematics education, the government continues to invest in developing experts locally and abroad to drive a modern, technology-led economy.
