Vice President Breaks Ground for Kagera Campus, Calls for Skills-Driven Higher Education for Regional and National Growth
By Zamda George, CMU
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, has underscored the strategic role of higher education in driving economic transformation, youth empowerment and regional integration as he laid the foundation stone for the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Kagera Campus in Bukoba.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice President said the establishment of the new campus is a concrete demonstration of the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education across the country, in line with the CCM Election Manifesto (2025–2030) and the national goal of ensuring that every region has a university or a university college.
“The Government is committed to expanding access to quality, market-relevant higher education; universities should become engines of innovation, entrepreneurship and regional integration. Higher education remains a critical pillar for building a competitive workforce and improving the social and economic wellbeing of Tanzanians”, said Dr. Nchimbi.
Dr. Nchimbi emphasized that the Kagera Campus should go beyond traditional academic training and instead focus on skills-based, market-responsive and practical education, tailored to the economic potential of Kagera Region and the Lake Zone.
He highlighted opportunities in entrepreneurship, cross-border trade, marketing, and regional commerce, calling on UDSM to ensure its curricula are closely aligned with labour market demands and regional development priorities.
The Vice President also urged the University to position the new campus as a hub of innovation, creativity and applied research, capable of nurturing young people who can compete effectively in both regional and global markets.
Given Kagera’s strategic location bordering several neighbouring countries, he said the campus should actively promote internationalisation of higher education, attract students and academics from the East African region, and contribute to regional integration and Pan-African cooperation.
Acknowledging the role of development partners, Dr. Nchimbi expressed the Government’s appreciation to the World Bank for financing the project through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, under which the Kagera Campus is being constructed at a cost of more than TZS 14 billion.
He stressed the importance of accountability, value for money and timely completion of the project, directing contractors, consultants and supervisors to adhere strictly to agreed timelines, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
The Vice President called on all stakeholders to protect the project, maintain peace and stability, and work collectively to ensure that the Kagera Campus becomes a centre of excellence that transforms lives, strengthens the regional economy and contributes meaningfully to Tanzania’s industrialisation and inclusive growth agenda.
UDSM transformation agenda to expand access to quality higher education
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, said the Kagera Campus is part of UDSM’s broader institutional transformation agenda aimed at expanding access to quality higher education while strengthening the University’s contribution to national development.
He explained that the campus is being developed under the HEET Project, implemented by the Government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with concessional financing from the World Bank
Prof. Anangisye detailed that the project includes the construction of a modern academic and administrative complex, lecture halls, classrooms, computer laboratories, staff offices, a student hostel and support facilities.
He reported that construction is at an advanced stage, with overall progress exceeding 75 percent, and assured the Government that UDSM management has put in place strong supervision and monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality, environmental compliance and value for money.
He further noted that the Kagera Campus will specialise in business and commerce-related programmes, complementing other new UDSM campuses, including the Lindi Campus which focuses on agriculture. According to the Vice Chancellor, this strategic differentiation is intended to respond directly to regional economic strengths while advancing UDSM’s Vision 2061 and the National Development Vision 2050
The Chairperson of the UDSM Council, Ambassador Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, said the Council views the Kagera Campus as a results-driven investment rather than a symbolic expansion. “Our emphasis is on outcomes: modern infrastructure, employable graduates and measurable socio-economic impact that justifies this national investment”.
The event brought together senior national and regional leaders, including the Chancellor of UDSM and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda (MP), Kagera Regional Commissioner Hon. Hajat Fatma Mwassa, members of Parliament, UDSM Council and Management, as well as local leaders and residents.