The Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) is a US$425 million IDA-funded Project which was approved by the World Bank in May 2021. The Project implementation is scheduled for the period of 5 years from 13^th September 2021 when the Project became effective to 15^th July 2026. The Project is an Investment Project Financing (IPF) aiming at strengthening the delivery of higher education through a combination of university-level strategic investments in improving the quality of learning environments and programs, and Ministry-level interventions that enhance the management of the higher education system and support a conducive policy environment. The project is pillared on Project Development Objective (PDO) aiming at strengthening the learning environments and labour market alignment of programmes in the priority area, and the management of the higher education system.

Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) is one of the Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) benefiting from the project, with a total allocation of US$ 31.5 million. As per the University Strategic Investment Plan, the fund is allocated to support the following seven (7) areas:

1. Construction of infrastructure;
2. Updating curriculum and introducing innovative pedagogical methodologies;
3. Promoting applied research and innovation capacity;
4. Building functional linkages with private sector/industry;
5. Developing online learning platforms and digital technology applications (including selecting and customizing Moodle based learning platforms);
6. Promoting self-generated income; and
7. Building capacity of academic staff.

Basing on this investment under HEET project, MUST is grateful to the Government of Tanzania and the World Bank for coming up with this project which will significantly transform the University and therefore realizing the long-held ambitions of the Government in setting up a reputable University of Science and Technology in Mbeya. The University takes the HEET Project as a kick-start initiative geared to creating more opportunities for the University to grow prosperously in academic areas, becoming a well-known centre of excellence and eventually contributing to improving national economy. Moreover, the HEET Project is also considered as a vehicle for implementing the University Strategic Plan which is being implemented from July 2022 to June 2027. The University calls upon all its key stakeholders including Government, World Bank, Parents, Students, Industries, Alumni, Faculty Members, Employers and Neighboring Community to continue supporting execution of University investment activities so as to help the University realize its vision and mission while meeting stakeholders’ expectations.