Project Case Study
Establishment of Tanzania’s Mining Centre of Excellence
Strengthening Tanzania's human capital by advancing training and vocational education in extractives
The extractives sector is of great significance for Tanzania’s economy; however, a gap in a qualified and skilled workforce poses its challenges to foreign investment flows.
The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Moshi was established in 1994 as part of the Integrated Mining Technical Training (IMTT) Program with the overarching aim of building and strengthening human capital in the extractives sector in Tanzania. Nonetheless, gaps and challenges with capacity and innovation gave birth to the Centres of Excellence (COE) program.
Through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), in early 2015 the Australian Government committed to address the challenges faced by the existing program, to support the reinforcement of Tanzania’s skilled labour force and further develop the established VETA Moshi by reforming it into a Centre of Excellence for Skills Development in the Extractives Sector.
In response to international companies’ sense of limited skills and knowledge of VETA graduates, the COE program seeks to initiate, deliver and support technical skills development as required by the extractive and related industries. Key objectives are comprised of an overall enhancement of employability, job and career opportunities, and general improvement of professional performance of trainings and workforce.
Adam Smith International worked closely with current IMTT partners, i.e. VETA, Tanzania Chamber of Mines and Energy, and two mining companies AngloGoldAshanti and ACACIA. Together, the team developed an operational plan for the project, with hopes for expansion that would benefit other VETA programs in the country. The plan has been recognised by representatives from both the public and private sector as a successful improvement of the existing IMTT program – one that bridges gaps in skills development and boosts the professional landscape of Tanzania.
