In a decisive move poised to reshape the country’s economic landscape, the Government of Tanzania has launched a landmark scholarship initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and allied technological fields. The scheme -known as the Samia Extended Scholarship for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Allied Sciences (DS/AI+)-is more than an educational programme; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future.
Unveiled in July 2025 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the scholarship reflects a growing consensus within government circles that mastery of advanced technologies is central to Tanzania’s bid to transition from a traditional economy to a knowledge‑driven, innovation‑led society.
“We are preparing young Tanzanians not merely to adapt to the fourth industrial revolution, but to lead it,” said Prof. Adolf Mkenda, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, at the programme’s official launch in Arusha. “By empowering our brightest students in fields such as data science and AI, we are laying the foundation for a future where Tanzania innovates, rather than imitates.”
From Bootcamp to World Class Classrooms
The scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants are drawn from top‑performing Form Six graduates with strong credentials in physics, chemistry and mathematics. The first cohort of 50 beneficiaries began their journey with a 10‑month intensive knowledge camp at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM‑AIST) in Arusha-a preparatory phase designed to sharpen their technical readiness and global competitiveness.
Following the bootcamp, many students are being placed in prestigious universities abroad, including in South Africa and Ireland, where they will pursue undergraduate degrees fully funded by the Tanzanian government.
The support is comprehensive: tuition, living allowances, health insurance, travel costs and academic expenses are all covered under the programme, thanks to significant public investment.
For students like Malaika Florence, one of the scholarship recipients, the opportunity represents a dream realised. “This initiative has not only opened doors for me academically,” she says, “it has made me believe I can contribute to national development through science and innovation.”
A Strategic Vision for Growth
Education experts and policymakers alike say the initiative is a critical step toward achieving Tanzania Vision 2050, the government’s long‑term blueprint for industrialisation and economic transformation. By developing local expertise in high‑demand areas such as AI, machine learning and data analytics, Tanzania aims to reduce reliance on foreign technical labour and stimulate homegrown innovation.
“The era of passive consumption of technology is over,” said Dr. Amos Nungu, Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). “We want our young people to be creators, problem‑solvers and global innovators.”
Analysts say this shift comes at a critical time. As digital technologies rapidly reshape industries from healthcare to agriculture and finance, building a skilled workforce will be essential to Tanzania’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Beyond Scholarships
But officials stress that the scholarship is only one part of a broader strategy. Investments in science secondary schools, special programmes to boost girls’ participation in STEM subjects, and partnerships with leading research institutions are also underway to expand the pipeline of talent.
“Real transformation requires an ecosystem -from early education to research, industry and innovation,” notes an education policy expert. “These scholarships send a powerful message: Tanzania is serious about science and technology. But for lasting impact, this must be paired with opportunities for graduates to contribute domestically once they return.”
A New Chapter in Tanzania’s Development Story
As the first cohorts prepare to depart for global campuses, the sense of possibility is palpable. These young scholars carry with them more than books and laptops; they carry a vision of a future where Tanzania is at the forefront of a digital economy.
“We have begun investing in our people -the true drivers of innovation,” Prof. Mkenda said. “And when we invest in our people, we invest in our nation’s destiny.”
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