ITALY AND MUST FORGE STRONGER TIES IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

International Cooperation | Mbeya University of Science and Technology

The Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Giuseppe Coppola, paid an official visit to the Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), where he held strategic discussions with the university management to strengthen academic collaboration and accelerate the implementation of the Technical Education and Labour Market Support (TELMS II) Project.

During the meeting, Ambassador Coppola and his delegation reviewed the current progress of the TELMS II initiative, a flagship programme designed to enhance technical and vocational education through institutional partnerships between Tanzania and Italy. The discussions centred on deepening cooperation across key areas, including education, innovation, skills development, applied research, and technology transfer.

Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Coppola reaffirmed Italy's firm commitment to supporting Tanzania's higher education and vocational training agenda through development cooperation and institutional partnerships. He underscored the urgency of expediting the implementation of TELMS II, emphasising that intended beneficiaries must begin to realise its tangible impact without further delay.

The discussions further explored opportunities to link the project with broader agricultural development initiatives, particularly within the coffee value chain. It was noted that MUST is well-positioned to assume a greater role in supporting agricultural extension services, promoting environmental sustainability, and delivering innovation-driven solutions to address challenges across the sector.

Ambassador Coppola also commended the growing academic ties between Tanzanian and Italian institutions, encouraging both sides to sustain and deepen collaboration through joint research, academic exchange programmes, and shared innovation initiatives.

Following the formal discussions, Ambassador Coppola undertook a guided tour of the MUST campus, visiting academic, research, and innovation facilities. The tour provided the delegation with first-hand insights into the university's infrastructure, learning environment, and the breadth of activities that underscore its capacity as a regional centre of technical excellence.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Tanzania and Italy, reaffirming both nations' shared commitment to advancing education, science, technology, and workforce development through collaborative and knowledge-driven initiatives.

H.E. Giuseppe Coppola, Ambassador of Italy to Tanzania, signs the visitors' book during his official visit to Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST).