Tanzania PM Urges Sustainable Education Financing at International Conference

Tanzania's Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, has emphasized the need for sustainable education financing through domestic resource mobilization and reliable planning. He made this call at the Sixth International Quality Education Conference in Dar es Salaam, which was held under the theme "Beyond Aid: Owning Our Future through Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainable Self-Resilience". The conference aims to promote national ownership and sustainable education financing.

Dr. Nchemba highlighted that Tanzania's 2026/27 national budget stands at approximately 62.33 trillion Tanzanian shillings, with about 74.2 percent expected to come from domestic revenue. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been allocated approximately 2.398 trillion shillings. He urged stakeholders to look beyond budget allocations and assess whether funds reach the intended schools and benefit learners who need them most.

The Prime Minister emphasized that education financing decisions should promote equity and inclusion. He stressed that resources mobilized should address the needs of girls, learners with special educational needs, children affected by poverty, those in underserved communities, and all learners facing barriers to education. Dr. Nchemba also called for partnerships with development partners to strengthen national systems, build local capacity, and support sustainability through financing, expertise, research, and innovation.

Dr. Nchemba also discussed preparations for the education system to accommodate two groups of graduates in 2028, following the 2014 Education and Training Policy, Revised Edition 2023, and curriculum reforms. He said the transition requires coordinated preparations across government and among education stakeholders. The reforms aim to extend compulsory education, strengthen practical skills, and equip learners to secure employment or become self-employed.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said the conference was taking place at an appropriate time as the government implements education reforms guided by an established timetable. He said the reforms will strengthen practical skills and prepare learners for self-reliance. Prof Mkenda explained that compulsory education will increase from seven to 10 years, requiring every Tanzanian child to study up to Form Four.

Prof Mkenda invited stakeholders to identify ways of supporting the reforms, including the need for more schools. He said parents must ensure their children attend school, and primary education will cover six years, after which learners will proceed to Form One. President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has given all Regional Commissioners performance targets relating to preparations for the new system.

The implementation of the education reforms is set to begin in January 2028, with both Standard Six and Standard Seven graduates joining Form One. Prof Mkenda stressed that there will be no failure and no turning back on this. The government is seeking support from stakeholders, including religious institutions and the private sector, to ensure a successful transition.

Key points

• Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba calls for sustainable education financing through domestic resource mobilization and reliable planning.
• The 2026/27 national budget allocates approximately 2.398 trillion shillings to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
• Compulsory education will increase from seven to 10 years, requiring every Tanzanian child to study up to Form Four.