Tanzania has taken another important step forward in strengthening technical skills development and technology transfer through the successful completion of training for the first cohort of 15 instructors drawn from various institutions, including Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Don Bosco Technical Institute–Dar es Salaam, Arusha Technical College (ATC), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), and several VETA colleges.
The occasion also marked the handover of an orbital welding machine, a significant contribution towards enhancing technical and vocational education in the country. This advanced equipment will strengthen practical training and support the delivery of instruction that meets international standards and the requirements of modern infrastructure projects such as EACOP. The investment is expected to create lasting value for both instructors and students while contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce.
The graduates of this programme will receive internationally recognized certification from the Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI) in Egypt, a member of The Welding Federation (TWF), a global network representing institutions from 54 countries, including Canada. The training was delivered by Mr. Osama Hanaf, a highly respected welding expert and International Welding Engineer (IWE) with extensive international experience.
Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Angelus J. Ngonyani, Director of Planning and Development at VETA, expressed his appreciation to EACOP for its continued investment in skills development in Tanzania. He commended the project for supporting VETA through training opportunities, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives that benefit both instructors and students.
Mr. Ngonyani encouraged the instructors who participated in the programme to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired in their teaching and to continue pursuing professional growth. He emphasized that opportunities of this nature are essential for strengthening Tanzania’s technical workforce and supporting the country’s long-term social and economic development.
During the event, Mr. Geofrey Mponda highlighted the importance of investing in training and technology transfer as key drivers of sustainable development. He noted that equipping Tanzanians with relevant skills and expertise not only strengthens local capacity but also ensures that the benefits of major projects remain within the country. He further emphasized that technology transfer helps build practical expertise, improve productivity, and create long-term employment opportunities. Continued investment in these areas, he said, is critical to supporting Tanzania’s industrial growth and economic progress.
Ms. Neema Kweka also underscored the importance of developing Tanzanian talent through training and strategic technology transfer initiatives. She explained that the programme is being implemented through a partnership between EACOP, PCK, the main contractor responsible for manufacturing the project’s pipes – VETA, and the Small Enterprise Supplier Development Corporation (SESDCorp).
She noted that this collaboration is founded on trust, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to building local capacity. Through partnerships such as these, Tanzania is creating a sustainable legacy of skills, knowledge, and opportunities that will benefit future generations and contribute to the country’s long-term development.
