KAGERA: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Kagera Campus, with its focus on businessoriented programmes, has positioned itself as a key driver of both local and regional development.
By prioritising business education, the campus equips students with essential skills in management, entrepreneurship and economics, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of the Kagera region and the broader East African community A major development in this vision is the establishment of the Kagera campus of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
Located in the northwest region, Kagera’s new campus promises to serve as a crucial pillar for business education, regional integration and economic development.
The Kagera campus, with an investment of 14.1bn/-, is set to focus on business-related courses, including Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Management.
As part of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), the campus aims to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders who will drive economic transformation in Tanzania and beyond.
During the recent laying ceremony of the foundation stone, Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, a key proponent of the project, underscored its importance for the people of Kagera.
He highlighted that the Kagera campus would play a pivotal role in closing the regional gap in higher education access while driving broader economic development in the region.
“This campus will establish a robust business school focused on entrepreneurship, trade, finance and management. By providing students with the skills needed to capitalise on business opportunities, the campus will empower the youth of Kagera, especially given its strategic location near key trade corridors connecting Tanzania with Uganda, Rwanda and other East African nations,” Dr Nchimbi stated.
The campus is part of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, a major government initiative aimed at reducing regional disparities in higher education access.
The project is supported by the World Bank and is designed to align educational outcomes with the demands of the global labour market. Once completed, the Kagera campus will enrol an initial 660 students in business and ICTrelated programmes, with plans to expand to 1,200 students in the next three years.
The project encompasses the construction of a modern academic and administrative building with lecture halls, classrooms, computer labs and student hostels, as well as additional amenities such as dining facilities and recreational spaces.
This expansion is expected to stimulate local economic activity, create jobs and support entrepreneurial ventures linked to the university, including student housing and service oriented businesses.
Dr Nchimbi noted that the Kagera region is strategically located on the border with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya, which makes it a hub for cross-border trade and economic exchange.
The new campus is set to act as a catalyst for local development, not only by providing education but also by fostering regional integration through academic exchanges and joint economic ventures.
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“We envision this campus as a centre of innovation and creativity,” said Dr Nchimbi adding it will not only serve Tanzanian students but will also attract youth from neighbouring countries, helping to build a sense of East African unity. This will be a place where students can develop ideas, launch innovative projects and benefit from the opportunities offered by the East African Community.”
The initiative is in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, which has prioritised educational development as a means to achieve economic growth and improve the welfare of Tanzanians.
The creation of regional campuses like Kagera’s is a direct response to the CCM Election Manifesto which aims to ensure that every region in Tanzania has access to higher education.
The Kagera campus is more than just an educational institution; it is a manifestation of Tanzania’s global vision.
As part of the HEET project, the Vice-President said the campus will emphasise the internationalisation of education, attracting students, faculty and researchers from across the world.
“This will foster global understanding, promote crosscultural exchange and provide students with the tools to compete in the global job market,” he said.
Former President Jakaya Kikwete, who is also a UDSM Chancellor, stressed the importance of maintaining high academic standards at the new campus.
“This is an opportunity to deliver internationally recognised qualifications that will benefit both the local economy and the global workforce,” he said.
The university’s focus on business and ICT education is especially relevant given the fast-paced changes in global economies, where these fields are crucial for innovation and growth.
The Vice-Chancellor of UDSM, Dr William Anangisye emphasised the need for curricula to align with the evolving labour market.
“The new campus will model how regional universities can contribute to national development, preparing students for careers in agriculture, industrialisation and IT,” he said.
The Kagera campus is part of a broader government strategy, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to expand educational access in under served regions and support Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
This vision aims to elevate the country to middle-income status by strengthening sectors like education, agriculture and industrialisation, all of which require a highly skilled workforce. The campus will foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and enhance social cohesion.
Supported by a 49.5 million US dollars investment from the World Bank through the HEET project, the collaboration underscores the role of education in economic transformation.
The Kagera campus also has a direct impact on the local community.
A local resident, Sr Ernestina Lwanyamukaga noted that its arrival could reverse the outflow of students and resources to other regions. Councillor of Karabagaine, Mr Samuel Makwabe, described the development as a “blessing,” highlighting improved infrastructure and growing economic benefits for local businesses.
By reducing the need for students to travel far for education, the campus will lower costs for families, retain talent in the region and contribute to long-term economic growth.