Celebrating the China-Tanzania partnership: A commitment to education, development

“THE association promotes a way of life, not causes; harmony in living, not political beliefs; a bilateral loyalty, not commercial or social projects. Yet it is an association for as noble a purpose as any involved in any prior decisions,” remarked former Associate Justice of the United States, William O. Douglas.

This ethos encapsulates the essence of the relationship between China and Tanzania—a partnership that goes beyond mere diplomatic and economic engagements to embody a shared vision of development, mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for their people.

As both nations navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape, their collaboration reflects not only shared historical ties but also a forward-looking approach grounded in solidarity and cooperation.

From infrastructure projects that support Tanzania’s development goals to cultural exchanges that foster deeper understanding, the China-Tanzania relationship stands as a testament to how diverse nations can unite for the common good, addressing contemporary challenges while honouring their unique heritages. Recently, Tanzania through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof Carolyne Nombo, in Dar es Salaam,

expressed its gratitude for the strong partnership with China in the educational sector.

During the occasion, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania awarded the Ambassador’s Award to 132 individuals, including exceptional Tanzanian students studying the Chinese language, entrepreneurs who have launched businesses after learning the language and students who excelled academically.

On her side, Prof Nombo emphasised that these awards serve as stepping stones toward greater achievements for the recipients.

She said: “The Chinese Embassy in Tanzania promotes and grants the Ambassador’s Award to support outstanding Tanzanian students who study Chinese, entrepreneurs who start businesses after studying the language and students with excellent academic performance.”

She added, “Today, we are witnessing 132 brave men and women—girls and boys—receiving these Ambassador’s Awards. We are very proud of you.”

Likewise, Prof Nombo highlighted the positive impact these awardees are expected to have globally, noting that the recognition extends beyond individual success to benefit society at large. “We expect you to create significant change; you will impact the lives of people around the globe as a result of this award. We wish you the best,” she expressed.

Established in 2018, the awards aim to further cement the cultural ties between China and Tanzania, demonstrating a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation through education.

Gracing the occasion addressed as the 7th China Ambassador’s Award Ceremony at the Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian narrated that in this context, learning Chinese and embracing the opportunities brought about by China-Tanzania cooperation have become a natural choice for young people.

She said: “The African continent, including Tanzania, has seen an enthusiasm and passion for Chinese language learning. By the end of 2023, more than 20 African countries had incorporated the Chinese language subject into the national education system and more than 30 universities had established Chinese language majors or Chinese-language-teaching majors.

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Here, tens of thousands of graduates have become the backbone of the development of African countries and the bridge for China-Africa friendship.

In particular, the local Chinese teachers and the students are contributing to China-Tanzania friendship and helping more Tanzanian friends to be able to experience and explore the world!

At present, about 30,000 students in Tanzania are learning Chinese. Tanzania universities and middle schools have made a great progress in the capacity of Chinese language instruction.

Local teachers have been committed and dedicated to teaching Chinese even if in very difficult economic or financial circumstances.

Recommending the move, she pointed out: “It is a great pleasure to be with you and together congratulate 132 teachers and students who have made special contributions to Chinese language teaching or excelled in Chinese language learning in 2024 and won the Awards.

The winners are from the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, the Muslim University of Morogoro, the State University of Zanzibar and 18 secondary schools, such as Benjamin William Mpaka High School, Zanaki Secondary School and so on from different regions of Tanzania.

“They are adorable! To pay our respect and also to support them, just in this month for example, we partnered with Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited (OGTL) to donate 1500 cooking gas cylinders and stoves to primary and secondary school teachers in Arusha Region.”

Likewise, in the economic and trade sector, there has been a dual increase in quality and efficiency. Chinese companies have also completed and delivered major projects such as the natural gas pipeline, the Dar es Salaam Port upgrade and expansion, the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport terminal in Tanzania’s Zanzibar.

In 2023, bilateral trade grew by 5.7 per cent year-on-year, reaching $8.78 billion, an increase of 1.25 times over the past decade. China has been Tanzania’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years.

In the past academic year, the teachers and students have been dedicated, cooperative and innovative in Chinese language teaching and learning.

The friendship between China and Tanzania dates back to centuries ago. Over the past 60 years, China and Tanzania have shared weal and woe and remained good friends who come to each other’s assistance.

She further said: “The peoples of our two countries have become good brothers who understand each other. We have conducted long-term comprehensive cooperation in education, science, technology, culture and so on. “

For the past decades more and more Tanzanians are learning Chinese now in China and Tanzania and more Chinese universities begin to offer Swahili language learning.

Equally, this year marks the 60 Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Tanzania. Recalling this she narrated how China and Tanzania have held a series of celebration events, including the reception in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Tanzania, the China-Tanzania Youth Dialogue, the Forum for Shared Development of China-Tanzania and China’s hospital ship Peace Ark’s third visit to Tanzania, starting a craze of jointly celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

She promised that China will uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, adhere to the principles of “sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith” put forward by President Xi Jinping.

She added: “Now our bilateral relations have been elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. “China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus”, embodying the common understanding of the Global South, was also published here.”