By Staff Writer
Dar es Salaam, 12 August 2026
Prof. Baraka J. Maiseli, Principal of the College of Information and Communication Technologies, University of Dar es Salaam, says his experience as a Chinese Government Scholarship student from 2012 to 2015 transformed his career and outlook on international cooperation.
Speaking during the "China-Tanzania Dialogue on Youth Development and Exchange" held in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Prof. Maiseli said the scholarship gave him new knowledge, professional networks and research experience that shaped his commitment to national development.
The Dialogue brought together more than 100 representatives from the governments of China and Tanzania, universities, infrastructure companies, media, civil society and students. It is being held in a landmark year as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and has been declared the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges."
YOUTH PLACED AT THE CENTER
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, H.E. CHEN Mingjian said that young people carry the future of China-Tanzania relations and must be placed at the centre of cooperation between the two countries.
"Over the past seven decades, China and Tanzania have written a remarkable chapter of solidarity and cooperation. Our friendship has been tested by time and proven by action. From the TAZARA Railway to the Nyerere Bridge, our cooperation has always put people at the center," she said.
Ambassador Chen emphasized that youth are an important force in building the new era all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. She expressed three hopes for youth exchanges: to be "dream-chasers" who integrate personal growth with national development, a "bridge of mutual learning" through cultural exchange, and a "vital force" for common development in vocational skills, infrastructure, the digital economy and green development.
"Friendship between states lies in people-to-people exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges hinge on youth. May the flower of China-Tanzania friendship bloom even more brilliantly in the new era," she said. Ambassador Chen also announced that the Embassy will work with partners to expand scholarship opportunities and youth exchange programs in the coming year.
PUT SKILLS AND INNOVATION AT THE CORE
Speaking on behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Fredrick Salukele, Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said cooperation must now evolve beyond infrastructure and trade to place youth, knowledge, skills and innovation at the core of the partnership.
"The world of work is changing rapidly because of Artificial Intelligence, automation and new technologies. Our education and training systems must be dynamic. We must prepare young people not only for the jobs that exist today, but also equip them with the adaptability, creativity and technological capabilities required for the jobs and enterprises of tomorrow," he said.
He urged Chinese companies operating in Tanzania to integrate structured skills and knowledge transfer into their investments through mentorship, apprenticeship training, research, innovation, technology transfer and professional certification.
"The goal is to create more learning opportunities for Tanzanian youth and to extend people-to-people exchange to 'skills-to-skills' exchange. Together we can nurture a generation capable of shaping the future and driving shared prosperity," Dr. Salukele said.
UDSM: UNIVERSITIES AS ENGINES OF THE TRIPLE-HELIX PARTNERSHIP
Prof. Maiseli highlighted three concrete results from UDSM-China cooperation.
First, the establishment and growth of the Huawei ICT Academy at UDSM. Through the Academy, UDSM students are being trained in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, 5G, and cybersecurity. A CoICT student recently won 1st place in Tanzania and 1st place in Africa in the Huawei ICT Competition.
Second, Prof. Maiseli noted the growth in two-way academic mobility. Over 60,000 Tanzanians have studied in China over the years. In 2025 alone, nearly 100 Chinese students came to UDSM to study Kiswahili and Tanzanian culture. "This two-way flow builds understanding and long-term friendship," he said.
Third, he called for a Triple-Helix Model for the future. "We need Industry to provide technology, real-world problems and jobs. We need Universities to provide research, talent and innovation. And we need Government to take prototypes to market and create the enabling environment. When these three work together, we create jobs and prosperity," he said.
Prof. Maiseli concluded with a direct message to youth: "Chinese and Tanzanian youth must sit together and solve practical problems. Don’t just write papers. Build solutions. Start companies. Lead the next 60 years of Tanzania-China friendship."
50 YEARS OF BUILDING PEOPLE, NOT JUST PROJECTS
Mr. JIANG YUNTAO, Chairman of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd and Chairman of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania said that for the past fifty years, CRJE has made the growth of local talent a priority.
"From the construction of the TAZARA Railway to the Nyerere Bridge and the Dodoma High Court, our commitment has remained the same: to build not only infrastructure, but also people," Mr. Jiang said.
He explained that through cooperation with universities and vocational training institutions, CRJE has provided Tanzanian youth with opportunities for skills development through on-the-job training, master-apprentice mentorship, skills competitions, and university-enterprise collaboration.
He launched the new "Chinese Masters, Tanzanian Heritage" program and reaffirmed CRJE’s commitment that in 10 years, Tanzanian engineers, technicians and managers will be leading major projects in this country.
GROUND STORY: FROM FRONTLINE WORKER TO PROJECT ENGINEER
Eng. Titus Lukuwi, a Tanzanian engineer at CRJE, also shared his growth story. He started as a frontline employee in 2022 and through CRJE’s mentorship and training in 2023 and 2025 became a core technical staff member.
"When I was given my first assignment I was afraid to say I don’t know. But CRJE gave me a welcoming environment. Senior engineers took time to train us on site," Eng. Lukuwi said. "Today I am part of a team delivering quality infrastructure for Tanzania."
STUDENT VOICE: "WE ARE READY TO BUILD THE NEXT 60 YEARS"
Brian Samuel, a student at CoICT, UDSM, speaking on behalf of students said the Dialogue gave them hope and direction.
"We don’t just want certificates. We want to build real projects, learn from engineers on site, and get certified in skills that companies actually need. We promise to work hard and use technology to solve Tanzania’s problems," Brian said.
The event was jointly hosted by Xufang International Media of China International Communications Group (CICG), CRJE, and the University of Dar es Salaam.
Social Plugin