The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside the country will be set up in Zanzibar, Tanzania following the signing of an agreement between the education authorities of the two countries during EAM S Jaishankar’s visit to the African nation. It’s a momentous occasion in India’s commitment towards the global south particularly, Africa.
This campus is reflective of the longstanding friendship between India and Tanzania and a reminder of the focus India places on building people to people ties across Africa and the Global South.
Recognizing the strategic partnership between the Tanzania and India, the relationship of educational partnership has been formalized through the decision to set up IIT there. This unique partnership will bring the top-ranked educational expertise of IITM to a prime destination in Africa and serve the imperative current needs of the region.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the move marks a beginning towards internationalisation of Indian education.
“The initiative is an embodiment of PM @narendramodi’s commitment to strengthen South-South cooperation as well as forge stronger people-to-people ties with Africa. NEP is paving the way for making knowledge a key component of bilateral relations as well as for advancing global good,” he tweeted.
The setting up of IIT Campus shall also enhance India’s reputation globally and its diplomatic relationships and expand the international footprint of IIT Madras.
IIT campus in Zanzibar- Tanzania is envisioned as a world class higher education and research institution. It will serve as an example to the world, of the aspirational qualities of Indian higher education and innovation.
Cooperation in education, including the setting up of campuses of Indian universities abroad and the mobility of students, has emerged as a key component of India’s foreign policy in recent years.
The move is also in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends that “high performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries”.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up the campus of IIT-Madras in Zanzibar was signed between India’s education ministry and the ministry of education and vocational training of Zanzibar-Tanzania on Wednesday in the presence of Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Jaishankar.
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