Closing EACHEA Conference Marks Tanzania’s Active Role in Shaping Regional Higher Education
Kampala, Uganda, September 11, 2025
The First Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Common Higher Education Area (EACHEA) concluded today, September 11th, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda, marking an important milestone in strengthening higher education collaboration across the East African Community (EAC). The three-day conference, which ran from September 9th to 11th, 2025, was held alongside an exhibition showcasing Higher Education Regulatory Institutions from the EAC Partner States, including the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
The Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony was the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. The event was attended by high-level delegations from all EAC Partner States, underscoring the region’s shared commitment to harmonising higher education systems for sustainable development.
Representing Tanzania, Prof. Daniel Mushi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology responsible for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, attended on behalf of the Minister of Education, Science and Technology. He was joined by Dr. Mwanakhamis Adam Ameir, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Academic Affairs in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Zanzibar, who represented the Minister of the respective sector. Their presence at the event reflected Tanzania’s strong dedication to regional cooperation in higher education and its active role in shaping policies that promote quality assurance, student mobility, and the recognition of academic qualifications.
TCU, as one of the key participating institutions, showcased Tanzania’s achievements in higher education regulation at the mini-exhibition, where delegates from across the region engaged with Tanzania’s efforts to align national standards with regional and international frameworks. The TCU booth attracted significant attention and served as a platform for dialogue on Tanzania’s contributions to advancing harmonisation, talent development, and academic exchange within East Africa.
The Conference, held under the theme “Advancing Regional Integration through Harmonised Higher Education Systems for Sustainable Development of East Africa,” reviewed the progress made in facilitating student mobility, strengthening skills and talent development, and promoting inclusive higher education systems. These objectives directly support the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol, which aims to enhance the free movement of goods, services, labour, capital, and persons across the region.
By actively participating in the Conference, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the realisation of a competitive, inclusive, and integrated East African Higher Education Area. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to lay a solid foundation for equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills required to drive socio-economic transformation across the region.
The Conference was jointly organised by the Forum of Heads of Higher Education Regulatory Institutions and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
