THE government has officially launched the Samia Extended Scholarship Programme, a strategic initiative focused on Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Interdisciplinary Science.

The programme aims to build a knowledge-based economy powered by a new generation of highly skilled young professionals.

The launch event, held this week at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), was officiated by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Maulilo Kipanyula, who expressed pride in NM-AIST being chosen as the national training hub for the programme.

 “We are honoured to be part of this historic initiative that will prepare Tanzania’s future experts in data science and AI. We thank the Ministry and the Government for entrusting us with this critical national role,” said Prof. Kipanyula.

Dr Amos Nungu, director general of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), which is coordinating the programme, described the initiative as a national statement of intent.

“This is more than a scholarship. It is a patriotic investment to shape a knowledge-driven nation and to inspire more young people to pursue science,” said Dr Nungu.

He added that the programme sends a clear message: Tanzania intends to play an active role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as envisioned by the government.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, reaffirmed the government’s commitment, noting that implementation has already begun, as outlined in this year’s national budget.

 “For the first time, opportunity is not defined by a family’s financial background, but by intellectual ability,” he said.

He encouraged selected students to commit fully to the programme:

“If you are chosen, do not apply elsewhere. Come to NM-AIST for a ten-month preparatory programme. You’ll receive a laptop, undergo foundational training, and be equipped for global academic opportunities.”

In the first phase, 700 of the top-performing students from national examinations will be selected. Of these, the top 50, particularly those who excel in science and Advanced Mathematics, will study at world-renowned institutions including MIT (USA), Oxford (UK), IIT Madras (India), and Peking University (China).

The remaining 650 students will pursue their studies at Tanzanian institutions, fully funded by the government.

 “We must not isolate ourselves. We must go wherever the best education is — bring the knowledge home and apply it here,” Prof. Mkenda added.

The programme is a joint effort involving NM-AIST, COSTECH, the Ministry of Education, Tanzanian experts in the diaspora, and international partners. It is part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to position Tanzania on the global knowledge map.