Tanzania has called on African countries to strengthen cooperation in integrating technology and innovation into education. This is to ensure curricula keep pace with scientific advances, changing labour-market demands, and the needs of future generations. The call was made by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government, Prof Riziki Shemdoe. He made the remarks in Dar es Salaam while opening the sixth African Curriculum Association Conference.
The conference brought together policymakers, curriculum experts, lecturers, researchers, teachers, educational institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders from 22 African countries. Prof Shemdoe said curriculum transformation is essential in equipping learners with skills to solve problems, innovate, collaborate, and use technology effectively. He added that many of the challenges faced by African countries are shared, and curricula should respond to technological changes.
Prof Shemdoe stated that Tanzania's curriculum reforms are being implemented in line with the country's National Development Vision 2050, the African Union Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goal Four. The goal calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. He said education transformation cannot be achieved without curriculum reform, and curriculum reform cannot succeed without a well-prepared workforce, appropriate technology, inclusion of all learners, and strong collaboration.
The ongoing reforms in Tanzania are competency-based and aimed at developing learners capable of solving problems, innovating, working with others, using technology effectively, and pursuing self-employment opportunities. Prof Shemdoe challenged participants to share not only successes but also challenges and lessons from curriculum implementation. This, he said, could help build long-term partnerships among governments, universities, research institutions, the private sector, and development partners.
Deputy Principal Secretary in Zanzibar's Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Ms Mwanakhamis Adam Ameir, said Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are strengthening cooperation in education reforms, particularly in curriculum development. This is to ensure learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet changing national and global demands. The two sides are working through their respective education institutions to develop and implement curricula and other education interventions.
Tanzania Institute of Education Director General, Dr Aneth Komba, said the conference brought together curriculum institutions from across Africa to discuss key issues and strengthen the development of relevant, responsive, and future-focused curricula for the continent. A major focus is developing African curricula that reflect the continent's realities, history, values, and aspirations. The conference is expected to produce three key outcomes, including the Dar es Salaam Declaration on African curricula.
UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, Ms Elke Wisch, said artificial intelligence and other technologies should be used to make education more inclusive and effective rather than replace teachers. She said technology could support teachers to personalise learning and make educational materials more accessible to children with disabilities. UNICEF is working with the Tanzania Institute of Education to convert national textbooks into accessible digital textbooks, with AI helping to accelerate the process.
Key points
- Tanzania calls on African countries to integrate technology and innovation into education to keep pace with scientific advances and labour-market demands.
- The sixth African Curriculum Association Conference was held in Dar es Salaam, bringing together stakeholders from 22 African countries.
- The conference aimed to strengthen the development of relevant, responsive, and future-focused curricula for the continent.
