By Business Insider Reporter
Construction of the Tanga Campus of Mzumbe University has reached 82 percent completion, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of higher education infrastructure in the country.
The progress of the project was outlined by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. William Mwegoha, during a briefing to members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Sports and Culture when they conducted an inspection tour of the construction site on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
Prof. Mwegoha provided an update on the current stage of implementation, highlighting key milestones achieved so far, ongoing works, and the expected timeline for completion, while also emphasising the project’s anticipated role in strengthening the university’s capacity to deliver quality higher education and support national development priorities.
He told the legislators, led by committee chairperson Husna Sekiboko, that the project is scheduled for completion this May.
“Construction of the campus infrastructure has reached approximately 82 percent completion. Once finished, the facility will significantly boost the university’s capacity to admit more students and expand its academic programmes,” Prof. Mwegoha said.
He explained that the project includes the construction of key facilities such as the academic block, student hostels, a health centre, a cafeteria, staff housing, as well as water supply and sanitation systems to serve the campus community.
The Mkinga District campus is being developed under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen higher learning institutions and accelerate economic transformation by expanding access to quality education, research, and innovation.
The parliamentary delegation visited the site to assess the project’s progress and gather insights to inform preparation of the Government’s 2026/2027 budget, particularly on investments in higher education infrastructure.
Committee members commended the progress achieved so far and emphasised the need to complete the remaining works within the agreed timelines and in line with contractual standards.
Committee chairperson Sekiboko noted that projects of this scale are vital for strengthening Tanzania’s higher education sector and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.
She added that timely completion of the project will enable the campus to begin admitting students and contributing to the country’s broader development agenda.
“This project is an important investment in the future of higher education in our country. It is therefore crucial that all the planned activities are completed on time and meet the required standards,” Ms. Sekiboko said.
The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, who also addressed the delegation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher learning institutions through strategic investments such as the HEET programme.
He said expanding higher education infrastructure is a key priority for the Sixth Phase Government as it seeks to increase opportunities for education, research and innovation that will contribute to Tanzania’s social and economic transformation.
“Through projects like HEET, the government aims to create an enabling environment for universities to produce skilled professionals and generate research that supports national development,” Prof. Mkenda noted.
Local leaders from Mkinga District and Tanga Region who attended the inspection tour expressed optimism that the completion of the campus will bring new economic opportunities to the area and the whole region at large.
They noted that the presence of a major higher learning institution is expected to stimulate business activities, attract investment and create employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
“We eagerly await the completion of this campus, as it will stimulate social and economic development not only in Mkinga District but across the entire Tanga Region,” said Gilbert Kalima, the District Commissioner for Mkinga, in his remarks. Once completed, the Tanga Campus is expected to become an important academic hub in the northern coastal region, strengthening the role of Mzumbe University in producing skilled professionals and supporting Tanzania’s long-term development ambitions.
