Higher education and industrialization in Tanzania

This study was conducted with its main thrust being the unravelling of the elements of mismatch between higher education and the needs of industries. Bothquantitative and qualitative methods were used to collectdata from higher learning institutions, graduates, employers and government agencies. The mismatches uncovered included the insufficiency of soft skills in the labour market that are highly needed by industry: the ability of graduates to analyze situations and propose solutions, leadership and innovation and graduates’ ability to take responsibility of own actions and inactions. The foundations of these mismatches were unearthed to include the following three subcomponents: poor integration of relevant stakeholders; inadequate funding and industrial challenges. The study further unraveled that the mismatches between higher education and skills need of industries have three major effects on the Tanzanian economy: labour market, productivity, and development effects. The study recommended the need to enhance both vertical and horizontal integrations among stakeholders in the higher education sector; boost up funding for higher education; mainstream entrepreneurship course; create enabling environment for the private sector and industry to thrive; and create an integrated platform for dialogue on national provisions for higher education and the needs of the Tanzanian economy.