COORDINATORS of Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project have been urged to expedite its implementation by keeping accurate records, managing finances efficiently and empowering youth to achieve the project’s objectives.

They have also been directed to complete procurement process, strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders and themselves for an upcoming mid-term evaluation by the World Bank (WB).

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Daniel Mushi made the call in Dar es Salaam at the weekend during a meeting to evaluate implementation of the project.

He wanted the coordinators to prepare well for an upcoming mid-term evaluation of the project by the World Bank (WB).

“It is essential to have comprehensive reports showing positive outcomes and the challenges we have encountered; this will help improve the project’s implementation,” he said.

He noted that approximately 1trn/- in concessional loan from WB has been allocated to enhance teaching and learning environments in 22 higher education institutions.

Mushi clarified that between 75 and 80 percent of the funds will be used for infrastructure development at these institutions, with some construction already underway.

The project runs for five years (from 2021 to 2026) and aims to produce skilled professionals equipped to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Mushi said that the government expects the project to strengthen the contribution of higher education to the national economy by 2026, particularly by providing more opportunities for youth in the job market.

However, he mentioned that due to high demand, the government was preparing to apply for an additional loan to further enhance education sector.

Prof Suzana Augustino, HEET project coordinator at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, remarked that the meeting offered coordinators a chance to exchange experiences and learn from successful project implementations.

She added that collaboration between project coordinators, Tanzania Commission for Universities and National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training will ensure that new curricula are developed and accredited to meet current educational needs and standards.