DEPUTY MINISTER KIHENZILE PRESIDES OVER DMI’S 21st GRADUATION, URGES GRADUATES TO BUILD PERSONAL COMPETENCE IN A COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET.

By Lookman Miraji.

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) today held its 21st graduation ceremony, graced by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. David Kihenzile, who served as the guest of honour. The event once again underscored DMI’s position as the country’s leading centre for maritime education and training.

Addressing hundreds of graduates, parents, and invited guests, Deputy Minister Kihenzile reaffirmed the Government’s strategic vision to make Tanzania the leading commercial gateway in the East and Central African region—an ambition aligned with the National Development Vision 2050.

> “The Government is fully committed to strengthening the maritime and transport sectors through investments in port infrastructure, equipment, and modern technology. Our goal is to position Tanzania as a hub for trade and transportation in this region,” said Kihenzile.

He further directed DMI to conduct a comprehensive tracer study of all graduates who completed their studies between 2020 and 2025. The assessment aims to understand employment trends, skill relevance, and the overall contribution of DMI graduates to the maritime and transport sectors.

Kihenzile emphasized that while the Government continues to enhance port infrastructure and implement major projects—including the planned construction of a new 3,000-tonne ship—graduates must cultivate their own capacity for innovation and self-development to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving job market.

> “Government is expanding opportunities, but personal effort, creativity, and continuous self-improvement are what will set you apart. Do not rely solely on formal employment—build your own abilities,” he stressed.

The DMI Rector, Prof. Tumaini Gurumo, commended the Government for its ongoing support and noted that the institute will continue to upgrade training quality, adopt modern technologies, and strengthen international collaborations to ensure its graduates meet global professional standards. He added that the annual graduation ceremony reflects DMI’s longstanding commitment to producing skilled professionals in port operations, maritime transport, engineering, and marine technologies.

The 21st DMI graduation comes at a time when Tanzania is undergoing major reforms in the transport sector, particularly maritime operations. Government projections to position Tanzania as a commercial gateway by 2050 highlight several key points:

1. The maritime sector is central to the future economy.

Investments in ports, shipbuilding, and infrastructure modernisation indicate that the blue economy will remain a major source of jobs, trade, and investment.

2. Graduate tracer studies are essential.

The directive to track graduates from the past five years will help align academic programmes with labour market needs and improve training effectiveness.

3. Personal competence matters most for graduates.

In a world that changes daily, continuous learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking are vital for career success.

4. DMI holds a strategic position in a country with vast maritime opportunities.

Tanzania’s 1,400-km coastline and multiple port facilities create immense opportunities for skilled maritime professionals.

5. Sectoral reforms require a skilled workforce.

Every new port, ship, ICT system, and logistics innovation demands qualified experts—professionals trained by institutions like DMI.

This year’s ceremony marks the 21st graduation since the establishment of the institute, which remains one of Tanzania’s most prominent centres for maritime and port-related education.