DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, has called for stronger cooperation between Tanzania and Sweden in higher education, research, innovation and technology to accelerate national development and prepare a skilled workforce for the future.
Speaking yesterday during the celebrations to mark 63 years of development cooperation between Tanzania and Sweden, Prof Mkenda said the two countries are entering a new phase of partnership founded on equality and shared interests.
He said enhanced collaboration in higher education, scientific research, innovation and technology is essential for addressing development challenges and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Prof Mkenda noted that stronger links between universities and research institutions in Tanzania and Sweden would help generate practical solutions to social and economic challenges while advancing the country’s development agenda.
“The partnership between universities and research institutions in Tanzania and Sweden should be strengthened further to promote research that provides solutions to development challenges and prepares a generation with the knowledge and skills required in today’s world,” he said.
The minister said the 63- year partnership has made a significant contribution to Tanzania’s development, particularly in education, clean energy, research and human capital development.
According to him, the cooperation has supported the construction of educational institutions, improved teacher training programmes and strengthened skills-based education, enabling more Tanzanians to acquire competencies demanded by the labour market.
He added that the achievements recorded over the years demonstrate the value of international partnerships in advancing national priorities and strengthening institutional capacity for sustainable development.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Charlotta Macias, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening relations with Tanzania, saying the partnership continues to grow and deliver meaningful results.
She said that in addition to education and renewable energy, Sweden is keen to expand cooperation in investment and other strategic sectors that can drive economic growth and shared prosperity.
“Since we began cooperating with Tanzania, we have achieved progress in rural electrification, energy and water services, public financial management, social protection, research and education, as well as human rights and gender equality,” Ambassador Macias said.
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She noted that the longstanding partnership has benefited both countries by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, institutional development and capacity building.
Ms Macias said the anniversary celebrations reflected more than six decades of successful cooperation that has contributed to Tanzania’s socio-economic development while laying a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in research, innovation and technology in the years ahead.