PM Nchemba Breaks Ground for Southern Tanzania’s Agricultural Future with UDSM Lindi Campus
By Zamda George, CMU
The establishment of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Lindi Campus is set to play a transformative role in advancing agriculture-led development, skills generation, and socio-economic growth in Southern Tanzania, Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba has said.
Speaking while laying the foundation stone for the new campus at Ngongo, Lindi Municipality, on 20th December, 2025, Dr. Nchemba described the project as a strategic national investment that brings higher education closer to communities in the southern zone and positions the region as a key contributor to national development.
“This campus should begin by addressing the immediate realities of the southern zone, where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods and the local economy. Higher education must provide modern knowledge, research, and innovation that directly benefit farmers and rural communities,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Nchemba noted that Lindi’s strong agricultural base, particularly in the production of cashew nuts, sesame, and other strategic crops, provides a solid foundation for the campus to focus on agriculture-related programmes, agri-business, soil science, and food processing technologies.
He emphasised that such programmes will enhance productivity, promote value addition, and create employment opportunities for youth and women.
Earlier, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the project, which is being implemented under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project.
Prof. Mkenda said HEET is a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at aligning higher education with national development priorities, including agriculture, innovation, and industrial growth.
“HEET is transforming higher education into a direct driver of economic development. Through this project, universities are expanding access, modernising infrastructure, strengthening research, and responding more effectively to the needs of the economy,” said Prof. Mkenda.
Chancellor Dr. Kikwete calls for sustained support
In a message delivered on behalf of the Chancellor of UDSM and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the University appealed for continued Government and stakeholder support to ensure the Lindi Campus begins operations on a strong footing.
The Chancellor underscored the importance of completing student hostels, access roads, staff housing, and essential academic and social infrastructure to enable effective teaching, learning, and research.
“The laying of the foundation stone marks an important milestone, but sustained investment and coordinated planning are essential to unlock the full potential of this campus as a driver of regional and national development,” the Chancellor’s message noted.
UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. William A. L. Anangisye said the Lindi Campus has been deliberately designed to harness the region’s comparative advantages, with a strong initial focus on agriculture and natural resource–based programmes.
“Our priority is to establish applied agricultural programmes that support farmers, agri-businesses, and local industries, while strengthening research and innovation tailored to the needs of Southern Tanzania,” said Prof. Anangisye.
He added that the campus will also support research in climate-resilient agriculture, environmental sciences, and heritage studies, including the globally recognised Tendaguru fossil site.
Planning for future skills in energy
While emphasising agriculture as the foundation, the Prime Minister later encouraged UDSM to plan for future expansion into oil and gas studies, noting the strategic importance of the southern zone in Tanzania’s energy sector.
“As development progresses, universities must anticipate future skills needs. The gas resources in the southern zone present an opportunity for UDSM to develop specialised programmes that will ensure Tanzanians benefit fully from these resources,” Dr. Nchemba said.
Regional leaders and community representatives welcomed the project, noting that the campus is expected to stimulate local employment, business growth, research-driven innovation, and improved access to higher education across the southern corridor.
With construction underway and academic programmes expected to commence in the coming years, the UDSM Lindi Campus stands as a powerful symbol of agriculture-led transformation and inclusive development, positioning Lindi and Southern Tanzania at the centre of Tanzania’s knowledge economy and future growth.