The Minister of State, President’s Office – State House (Special Duties), Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a digitally driven nation through the Samia Scholarship Extended for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Allied Sciences (DS/AI+), during his visit to the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST).

On 17 January 2026, during the visit, Prof. Kabudi commended the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), and NM-AIST for successfully implementing the strategic programme, which aims to prepare Tanzanian experts capable of leading the science, technology and innovation agenda in line with the National Development Vision 2050.

He urged scholarship beneficiaries to uphold discipline, patriotism and commitment, emphasizing their responsibility to give back to the nation through knowledge, innovation and global excellence.

NM-AIST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula, noted that the programme is nurturing a new generation of professionals equipped to drive transformation in the digital economy, with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence playing a central role.

A beneficiary of the programme, Ms. Malaika Wakanga, said the visit had boosted their confidence as they prepare to represent Tanzania abroad, describing the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ as more than academic training, but a pathway to purpose, growth and national service.

The Samia Scholarship Extended for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Allied Sciences (DS/AI+) support talented students from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to pursue advanced studies at leading international universities in strategic fields critical to national development.