Partnership in Mo-Kerry Scholarship Programme Equips Graduates with Industry-Ready Skills
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has reinforced its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education by joining the Mo-Kerry Scholarship Programme, an initiative designed to equip graduates in food and agriculture sciences with the skills demanded by today’s evolving job market.
At the official launch held on 25 September 2025 in Dar es Salaam, UDSM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mo Dewji Foundation, officially becoming a key training institution for the programme.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, praised the launch as a model of academia-industry collaboration that will transform higher education and employment prospects for Tanzanian youth.
Prof. Nombo emphasised the importance of bridging theory and practice in university education. “This programme will ensure that our youth are equipped not only with strong academic foundations but also with the hands-on skills needed to thrive in today’s job market and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Developed in partnership with the Kerry Group, the initiative integrates classroom learning with industry exposure to prepare students for real-world challenges in the food and agriculture sector.
Life-changing opportunity
UDSM Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface, encouraged students to take the opportunity seriously, describing it as life-changing. “This is a chance to gain lifelong skills that will shape your personal and professional futures while also delivering lasting benefits to your families and the nation.”
Irish Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Nicola Brennan, commended the programme’s inclusive approach, particularly its focus on empowering women in food and agriculture. She highlighted its potential to improve food systems, boost nutrition, and promote sustainable development.
“It is encouraging to see how this programme supports individual growth while also contributing to stronger, more resilient food systems,” she remarked.
This year, 40 students from Tanzanian universities will benefit from the Mo-Kerry Scholarship. They will undergo four months of theoretical training at UDSM and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), followed by practical, on-the-job training at MeTL factories. The blended approach is designed to produce graduates who are both academically strong and industry-ready.
Representatives from the Kerry Group and the Mo Dewji Foundation applauded UDSM and SUA for their role in implementing the programme. They expressed optimism that its success in Tanzania could pave the way for expansion across East Africa.
“Through this partnership, we aim to empower youth not only in Tanzania but across the region, inspiring innovation in food systems and helping nourish life in impactful ways,” they stated.
The Mo-Kerry Scholarship Programme marks a significant step in aligning higher education with industry needs, reinforcing Tanzania’s efforts to produce skilled graduates capable of advancing food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.