THE World Bank (WB) has commended Tanzania for significant progress in improving the education sector and advised the government to seek more funding for further development projects.

WB Regional Vice President Victoria Kwakwa made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday, during a visit to the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT).

Kwakwa praised the government’s efforts in increasing access to education and allowing school dropouts, including pregnant girls, to return to school.

"I am very pleased with the progress in Tanzania’s education sector, which reflects the good work of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her team,” said Kwakwa.

She noted that the number of pupils joining secondary schools has doubled, with many girls who had dropped out now returning to school.

Kwakwa urged the government to continue prioritising education to produce local professionals and reduce reliance on foreign expertise.

"You’ve achieved a lot, but there’s still more to do. Keep coming to us for support, and we will provide whatever we can,” she said.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolph Mkenda, thanked the WB for supporting Tanzania’s education sector. He said the government aims to ensure universal access to primary and secondary education by 2027.

“To achieve this, we need major investments in infrastructure and more teachers to reduce shortages,” said Prof. Mkenda.

He added that the government is also expanding vocational training to equip youth with skills for self-employment after secondary school.

DIT board chairman Dr Richard Masika said DIT has increased student enrollment and improved its curriculum to meet market demands. DIT now operates three campuses in Mwanza, Songwe, and Dodoma and had strengthened ties with local and international institutions.