UDSM Strengthens Industry Links, Unveils Sustainability Roadmap Beyond HEET Project

By Donald Boneka, CMU

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has reported significant gains in strengthening university-industry collaboration, enhancing graduate employability, expanding research partnerships, and promoting innovation, as stakeholders chart a sustainability roadmap for initiatives established under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project.

The achievements emerged during a meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) for the Economics, Agriculture and Business Management Cluster held recently, which brought together representatives from academia, industry, professional bodies and development partners to review progress and identify strategies for sustaining momentum beyond HEET funding.

Chaired by Dr. Lucas Katera of the Research on Poverty Alleviation Organisation (REPOA), with Prof. Omary Mbura, Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) serving as Secretary, the meeting highlighted growing collaboration between the University and industry stakeholders in advancing skills development, research, innovation and national development priorities.

Committee members noted that a number of initiatives launched through the Cluster are already yielding tangible results, including stronger stakeholder engagement, increased industrial collaboration, enhanced research partnerships and expanded opportunities for students.

The College of Agriculture and Food Security (CoAF) reported notable progress through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and the implementation of programmes designed to strengthen collaboration between the University and external stakeholders.

Presenting the update, Mr. Salim Sharif, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Applied Economics, said the partnerships are creating new opportunities for research, innovation and postgraduate training.

“Through our partnerships and collaborative programmes, we are creating opportunities that enhance the capacity of Master’s and PhD students, strengthen research engagement, and prepare future scholars to contribute effectively to national and regional development,” said Mr. Sharif.

He added that initiatives linked to the Mwalimu Nyerere intellectual engagement platforms and other strategic collaborations have enabled postgraduate students to interact with researchers, policymakers and development practitioners, thereby strengthening their academic and professional competencies.

The College also reported progress in research capacity building and postgraduate development through collaborative programmes that support knowledge exchange, professional development and research engagement.

Strengthening graduate employability

The meeting heard that UDSM is intensifying efforts to bridge the gap between higher education and the labour market through strategic partnerships with employers and professional institutions.

Providing an update on stakeholder engagement and graduate employability initiatives, Dr. Eva Shayo, Head of Industrial Linkage under the Directorate of Planning Services (DPS), said the University is working closely with the Tanzania Employment Services Agency (TAESA) and other stakeholders to create stronger pathways to employment for students and graduates.

“We are working closely with our stakeholders to ensure that students and graduates are exposed to employment opportunities, professional networks and career development programmes that can facilitate their smooth transition into the workplace,” said Dr. Shayo.

She revealed that UDSM is planning a Career Day in collaboration with TAESA and other partners to connect students directly with employers, increase career awareness and expand access to employment opportunities.

The Committee also highlighted growing collaboration with organizations including TAESA, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), YAS, GSM Group and MO-Kerry. These partnerships have supported industrial training, graduate recruitment, professional mentorship and practical learning experiences.

Student representative Mr. Lucas Bole informed the meeting that students had benefited from training programmes facilitated through partnerships involving DSE and YAS, while members commended UDBS for strengthening industrial attachment opportunities that provide students with practical workplace experience.

Members further noted that several employers have already recruited graduates through collaborative initiatives with the University, demonstrating the value of stronger engagement between academia and industry.

Research and policy engagement gaining momentum

The meeting also underscored the growing role of research partnerships and policy engagement initiatives in linking academic knowledge with real-world development challenges.

Presenting on behalf of the University of Dar es Salaam School of Economics (UDSoE), the Dean of the School, Prof. Beatrice Mkenda highlighted the School’s increasing involvement in research, policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing platforms.

She noted that participation in stakeholder engagement activities, including the Mwalimu Nyerere intellectual forums, has strengthened public policy discussions and knowledge exchange.

Prof. Mkenda said partnerships with institutions such as the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) are helping students gain practical exposure to economic policy and governance issues.

“Through our engagement activities and partnerships, students are increasingly gaining exposure to real-world economic and policy issues. Such opportunities complement classroom learning and equip students with practical knowledge and skills necessary for professional careers and national development,” she said.

She added that collaborative research initiatives continue to strengthen relationships between academia, policymakers and industry while generating evidence-based solutions to development challenges.

Focus shifts to sustainability beyond HEET

A key agenda item was the long-term sustainability of the Economics, Agriculture and Business Management Cluster once HEET Project funding comes to an end.

Members identified alumni engagement as a strategic avenue for sustaining programmes, mobilizing resources and strengthening practical training opportunities for students.

Dr. Innocensia John of CoAF emphasized the critical role alumni can play in supporting institutional growth and student success.

“Our alumni are an important asset to the University. Beyond financial support, they can contribute valuable professional experience, mentorship and networks that help prepare students for successful careers while strengthening the sustainability of our programmes,” said Dr. John.

She further stressed the importance of periodically reviewing industry partnerships to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.

The Committee also recommended that colleges and schools establish dedicated budget allocations for Industry Advisory Committee activities and urged the University to institutionalize funding mechanisms capable of sustaining partnerships initiated under the HEET Project.

Members observed that documenting and showcasing the Cluster’s achievements would strengthen prospects for attracting future funding and building stakeholder confidence.

The meeting further acknowledged the contribution of partnerships, including collaborations involving MO-Kerry, in supporting practical training opportunities for students and advancing UDSM’s Vision 2050 aspirations through innovation, skills development and industry engagement.

Challenges and the way forward

Despite the progress recorded, members identified several challenges requiring attention, including limited engagement of graduates through existing platforms, difficulties associated with the TAESA registration process, varying levels of departmental participation in industry engagement activities and concerns about sustainability after HEET funding.

Dr. Lucas Katera emphasized the need for stronger involvement of Heads of Departments in implementation efforts.

“Greater engagement of Heads of Departments would strengthen coordination, improve ownership of activities and enhance the overall effectiveness of the initiatives being implemented,” he said.

During the meeting's Any Other Business session, Ms. Mwanahamis Hussein, Director of Research, Policy and Advocacy at TPSF, proposed that Industry Advisory Committee meetings be held quarterly to maintain momentum and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.

“If we continue meeting regularly and demonstrate the impact of these partnerships, I believe we will not lack sponsors. TPSF is ready to encourage its members to support these initiatives because they contribute directly to skills development and workforce preparedness,” she said.

The meeting set a renewed commitment to strengthening university-industry partnerships, expanding opportunities for students and graduates, enhancing stakeholder participation and ensuring the sustainability of initiatives established under the HEET Project.

Stakeholders agreed that continued collaboration among academia, industry, alumni, government institutions and development partners will remain essential in advancing innovation, research excellence, skills development and Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation.