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The University of Dar es Salaam Links with the Industry Needs of the Country

African
February 15, 2026
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The University of Dar es Salaam Links with the Industry Needs of the Country
The University of Dar es Salaam Links with the Industry Needs of the Country

https://heet.udsm.ac.tz

The University of Dar es Salaam Links with the Industry Needs of the Country

 The University of Dar es Salaam: The Industry Advisory Committees (IACs) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) are a key part of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project. Funded by the World Bank and running from 2021 to 2026, HEET aims to revolutionize higher education in Tanzania by aligning university programs with industry needs, boosting graduate employability, modernizing infrastructure, updating curricula, and strengthening research and innovation.
IACs serve as vital bridges between the University of Dar es Salaam and the real-world industries, businesses, and government. These expert panels advise on curriculum design, teaching methods, research priorities, and skill development to ensure graduates are job-ready and contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth. As of 2026, the project has made strong progress—over 80% implementation at UDSM—with visible upgrades like new facilities, digital tools, and labor-market-aligned programs benefiting thousands of students.
IACs are organized into specialized clusters aligned with UDSM’s priority areas, ensuring advice is targeted and practical.

Main IAC Clusters at UDSM

  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Resource Management (HSSRM) — Focuses on social sciences, humanities, and sustainable resource fields.
  • Marine and Aquatic Sciences Technology (MAST) — Covers marine sciences, fisheries, and aquatic resources.
  • ICT and Media — Drives digital innovation, information tech, journalism, and media skills.
  • Engineering and Earth Resources Management (EERM) — Targets engineering, mining, geology, and earth sciences.
  • Economics, Agriculture, and Business Management (EABM) — Emphasizes economics, agribusiness, and business for economic impact.
  • Non-HEET Priority Units (e.g., Law, Social Development) — Extends advisory support beyond core HEET disciplines.

Why IACs Matter

IACs include representatives from industries, the private sector, government, professional bodies, academia, and regulatory agencies. Their roles include:
  • Guiding curriculum reviews to match current and future job market demands.
  • Promoting research collaborations and industry partnerships.
  • Advising on teaching, internships, and knowledge transfer.
  • Ensuring programs produce skilled, innovative graduates who drive Tanzania’s development.
Recent IAC meetings (e.g., in 2025–2026) have stressed faster curriculum updates, stronger research ties, and inclusive approaches. The 2024/2025 guidelines formalize the operation of these committees across UDSM colleges, schools, and institutes.

6 Simple Steps to Engage with or Learn More About IACs

  1. Visit the Official Page Head to heet.udsm.ac.tz/iac for the main IAC hub, including introduction, purpose, functions, and membership details.
  2. Explore Cluster-Specific Info. Check subpages such as iac/committees/HSSRM, or others in your field, to see how IACs in that area support programs.
  3. Understand the Broader HEET Context Browse heet.udsm.ac.tz for full project details: infrastructure builds, curriculum updates, and impact (e.g., 82% graduate employment rate improvements).
  4. Review Guidelines & Functions Download or read the Industry Advisory Committee Guidelines 2024 (available via the UDSM site) and functions page to see exact roles and setup criteria.
  5. Stay Updated: Follow UDSM news (udsm.ac.tz/news) or HEET updates for IAC meetings, outcomes, or calls (e.g., from the 2025/2026 almanac showing regular IAC sessions in March–October 2026).
  6. Get Involved or Contact. If you’re an industry, alumni, or stakeholder interested in joining/advising, reach out via heet@udsm.ac.tz or +255 765 939 958. Students/staff can explore how IAC input shapes your courses.

Conclusion on the University of Dar es Salaam and the Industry

IACs are helping transform the University of Dar es Salaam into a powerhouse for Tanzania’s future economy by linking classroom learning directly to industry realities. As the HEET project wraps up in 2026, these committees ensure lasting change. For the latest, visit https://heet.udsm.ac.tz/iac or the main HEET site. If you’re in Dar es Salaam (or studying at UDSM), these developments could directly boost your education and career prospects. Share your field of study for more targeted insights.

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