Prime Minister Majaliwa Urges Universities to Drive Youth-Centred National Development
By Special Correspondent, CMU
The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, has called upon higher learning institutions to strengthen their role as centres of knowledge, thought, research, and innovation to shape a productive youth workforce that will drive the nation’s development.
Speaking at a conference held at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in commemoration of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, a proud UDSM alumnus, Class of 1998, underscored the pivotal role of academia in guiding national transformation.
Speaking at a conference held at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in commemoration of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Hon. Majaliwa, who is the University of Dar es Salaam Alumni, Class of 1998, underscored the pivotal role of academia in guiding national transformation.
“Academics must continue to light the way for the nation, just as Mwalimu Nyerere did. He believed that quality education is that which makes people productive and committed to national development. Education, to Mwalimu, was not merely a privilege, it was a tool for liberation”, he said.
The Prime Minister linked the ideals of Mwalimu Nyerere with the Tanzania Vision 2050, noting that the country’s future prosperity depends on the youth workforce. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing priority areas such as industrial technology, clean energy, and the digital economy, all of which are essential for sustainable national growth.
Hon. Majaliwa commended the University of Dar es Salaam and the Public–Private Partnership Centre for jointly organising the conference and for promoting dialogue on strengthening linkages between academia, government and industry.
The conference, chaired by UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, brought together academicians, policymakers, government officials, representatives from political parties, NGOs, and members of the public under the theme: “A Skilled Workforce for National Development: Advancing Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy Towards Tanzania Vision 2050”.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, Prof. Daniel Mushi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, highlighted education as a cornerstone of national development. He revealed that the government currently allocates 19 percent of its budget to education, with plans to increase this share to 20 percent in the near future to strengthen quality education and accessibility.
UDSM: A hub for intellectual exchange, innovation, and research
Earlier, Prof. Anangisye reaffirmed the University’s commitment to serving as a hub for intellectual exchange, innovation, and research for national development.
“For the nation to progress, it must invest heavily in education. Universities must be spaces for ideas that shape the nation’s future”, Prof. Anangisye said.
Contributing to the discussions, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), emphasised that universities should focus on providing knowledge, while employers play a greater role in practical training to ensure a productive and competent workforce.
The event reflected the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision for education as the foundation of Tanzania’s social and economic liberation and reaffirmed the country’s continued commitment to nurturing skilled human capital for the future.
The conference was organised by the University of Dar es Salaam’s Mwalimu Nyerere Professorial Chair on Pan-Africanism, led by Prof. Alexander Makulilo, in partnership with the Public–Private Partnership Centre, headed by Mr. David Kafulila.
Among the key topics discussed was Investment in Education as a Pillar of National Workforce Transformation: Achievements and Future Directions presented by Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President’s Office, Investment.
Also, Mr. David Kafulila, CEO of the PPP Centre, presented on the topic: The Relationship Between Workforce and Economic Trends. Similarly, Dr. Mwajuma Hamza, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce, discussed The Role of the Private Sector in Promoting the National Workforce.