[PRESSWIRE] Dodoma, Tanzania – 5 February 2026 — Tanzania is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science education as part of a strategic push to join the global fourth industrial revolution, officials said.
Through the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ program, the government is funding 16 top-performing students to pursue undergraduate degrees in Data Science, AI, and related disciplines at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. The initiative represents a total investment of $2.05 million, covering tuition and academic expenses for four years.
The scholarship reflects Tanzania’s broader ambition to shift from a resource-driven to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, aligning higher education with emerging global labor market needs in technology, automation, and data analytics.
“Science and technology are essential for national progress,” Education Minister Prof. Adolf Mkenda said. “Data science and AI are transforming healthcare, agriculture, business, education, and security. Without investing in these fields, nations risk falling behind.”
Students selected for the program underwent a 10-month intensive preparatory bootcamp at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology in Arusha, covering advanced mathematics, computing, and academic readiness. Another 34 students will pursue studies in Ireland at universities with strong academic and industry linkages.
COSTECH Director General Dr. Amos Nungu described the scholarship as more than financial support, framing it as a long-term national investment in building a cadre of globally competitive experts capable of driving Tanzania’s technological and industrial growth.
Beyond academics, students will gain hands-on exposure to industry projects in South Africa, ensuring practical experience in data-driven innovation. Scholars say they aim to apply these skills to Tanzania’s development priorities, including the country’s Vision 2050 economic transformation agenda.
Analysts say such initiatives position Tanzania to compete internationally in digital and high-tech sectors, while reducing reliance on foreign expertise and strengthening participation in the global knowledge economy.
– The Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ programme is a government-funded initiative designed to build national capacity in data science, artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies.
– The current cohort includes 16 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in AI- and data-related fields at the University of Johannesburg, with total funding of about $2.05 million over four years.
– An additional 34 students are scheduled to study in Ireland under related science and technology programmes.
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