Tanzania’s ambition to build a modern, knowledge-driven economy by 2050 will depend increasingly on its ability to equip citizens with the technical and digital skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world of work.
The growing use of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and other digital technologies is reshaping industries and creating new employment opportunities while changing the skills required for existing jobs. Against this backdrop, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as an important component of Tanzania’s long-term development strategy.
TVET can provide young people and adults with practical competencies that support employment, entrepreneurship and productivity, while helping the workforce respond to changing industry requirements. The approach is increasingly being linked with broader capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and digital literacy.
The Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO has a role in connecting the country with international expertise and developments in education, science, technology, culture, communication and information. Through its engagement with UNESCO programmes and international platforms, the Commission can facilitate access to research, policy discussions and experiences from other countries.
Its responsibilities also include coordinating, assessing and monitoring the implementation of relevant UNESCO conventions, recommendations and programmes in collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders.
UNESCO’s 2015 Recommendation concerning TVET provides an important international framework, recognising technical and vocational education as part of lifelong learning and as a contributor to employment, inclusive economic growth and competitiveness.
For Tanzania, this reinforces the need to move away from viewing education as something completed early in life. As technology and labour markets evolve, workers will need opportunities to continually update their knowledge and acquire new capabilities.
The future skills agenda also complements President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4Rs philosophy, particularly through reforms to education and training and efforts to rebuild national capacity in technical expertise, innovation and entrepreneurship.
As Tanzania works towards 2050, the challenge will extend beyond deploying new technologies. The country will need a workforce capable of using those technologies productively, creatively and responsibly.
Investment in TVET, future skills and lifelong learning could therefore become a key pillar of Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen human capital, improve economic competitiveness and ensure that citizens are prepared for emerging opportunities.
The National Commission for UNESCO is expected to continue supporting this process by linking national priorities with international knowledge, partnerships and experience, helping ensure that global cooperation translates into tangible benefits for Tanzania’s development.