UDSM Wins Global Recognition as Confucius Institute Shines at World Chinese Language Conference
By Special Correspondent, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has strengthened its international academic profile after its Confucius Institute was recognised among the world's outstanding centres for Chinese language proficiency testing at the 2026 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, China.
The recognition as an Outstanding HSK Test Centre for 2026 places the University among institutions acknowledged for excellence in coordinating the Chinese language proficiency examinations, HSK and HSKK, which assess written and spoken Chinese language abilities respectively.
UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, attended the international conference alongside the Tanzanian and Chinese Directors of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Mussa M. Hans and Dr. Xu Qian, respectively.
The conference, held from 13 to 15 November 2026 under the theme Chinese, More Than a Language, brought together representatives of more than 500 Confucius Institutes worldwide, including senior university leaders, institute directors and other stakeholders in international Chinese language education.
Speaking about the recognition, Dr. Hans expressed happiness and appreciation, noting that the award reflects the collective efforts of the Institute's staff and the institutional support provided by UDSM and its Chinese partner, Zhejiang Normal University.
“We are very happy and honoured by this recognition. It demonstrates the dedication of our staff, the quality of our work in Chinese language teaching and proficiency testing, and the strong institutional partnership between UDSM and Zhejiang Normal University. We appreciate this recognition and see it as motivation to continue improving our services and expanding opportunities for Tanzanians to learn Chinese”, said Dr. Hans.
The Chinese Director, Dr. Xu Qian also expressed appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation between UDSM and Zhejiang Normal University in strengthening Chinese language education and cultural exchange.
“We are delighted that the Confucius Institute at UDSM has received this international recognition. It reflects the shared commitment of our two universities to academic excellence, quality Chinese language education and meaningful cultural exchange. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and achieving even greater results together”, Dr. Qian.
The future of international Chinese language education
Beyond the award, UDSM's participation in the conference provided an opportunity to witness and engage in high-level discussions on the future of international Chinese language education and educational cooperation.
The UDSM delegation also formed part of the Tanzanian delegation led by the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wanu Hafidh Ameir which witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening the teaching of Chinese language in Tanzania. The agreement is expected to further advance educational cooperation between Tanzania and China.
The conference was officially opened by China's Vice President Hon. Han Zheng and brought together senior government leaders, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers responsible for education from different countries. Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Education was also among the senior government representatives who addressed the gathering.
The recognition builds on the Confucius Institute's growing international standing and its contribution to strengthening educational and cultural relations between Tanzania and China.
Established in January 2013 through cooperation between UDSM and Zhejiang Normal University, the Institute has developed into an important centre for Chinese language teaching, proficiency examinations, academic exchange and cultural engagement.
It offers Chinese language programmes and administers HSK and HSKK examinations while supporting learning opportunities through its teaching centres across Tanzania.
For UDSM, the latest recognition demonstrates how international academic partnerships can translate into tangible institutional achievements, enhance global visibility and create opportunities for students and the wider community.
It also reinforces the University's commitment to internationalisation, academic excellence and partnerships that promote knowledge exchange, intercultural understanding and cooperation beyond national borders.