World’s First IIT Outside of India is in Tanzania

First IIT outside India will be in Tanzania : In an effort to internationalise Indian education, the Indian government has inked a deal with the Tanzanian government to establish the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside of India in Zanzibar. IIT Madras will develop the campus, which is slated to begin offering courses in October 2023. The IIT campus in Zanzibar will be one of three foreign campuses planned by IIT Madras, the other two being in Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi.

The building of an IIT campus in Zanzibar is a significant step forward in the growth of India’s educational system. It will aid in the promotion of Indian education and research in Africa, as well as providing possibilities for Tanzanian students to study at one of the world’s top engineering universities. The Zanzibar IIT facility is also anticipated to enhance the local economy and create jobs.The creation of an IIT campus in Zanzibar is a positive step forward for both India and Tanzania. It demonstrates the two countries’ expanding cooperation and attests to the high quality of Indian education. The IIT campus in Zanzibar is certain to benefit both countries, and it is a project to keep an eye on in the future years.

Tanzania to be the site of the world’s first IIT outside of India

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has stretched its wings and is heading to other beaches, with Zanzibar, Tanzania becoming the first to benefit from its knowledge.”The first IIT campus outside of India will be in Zanzibar, Tanzania.” The Ministry of Education, Government of India, IIT Madras, and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Zanzibar, Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 5, 2023, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar; activities at the new campus might begin in October 2023.

Benefits of setting up of IIT Tanzania

The plan to establish an IIT campus in Zanzibar is consistent with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises internationalisation and advises that high-performing Indian universities be encouraged to establish campuses in other countries. “The establishment of an IIT campus will also enhance India’s global reputation and diplomatic relationships, as well as expand IIT Madras’ international footprint.” Due to the international campus’s student and faculty variety, it is also anticipated to improve the quality of IIT Madras education and research. It will also help to strengthen research relationships with other top-ranked academic institutions around the world, according to the MEA.

According to the statement, the IIT campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is envisioned as a world-class higher education and research institution with a broader goal to create competences in response to developing global requirements, improve relationships between nations, and support regional research and innovation. “It will serve as an example to the rest of the world of the aspirational qualities of Indian higher education and innovation,” the statement continued.

Why is Tanzania chosen for the First IIT Campus outside India ?

There are a few reasons why Tanzania was chosen for the first IIT campus outside India.

• Geopolitical considerations. Tanzania is a strategically located country in East Africa, with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. This makes it a good location for an IIT campus that is looking to expand its reach into Africa.
• Economic potential. Tanzania is a growing economy with a young population. This means that there is a large pool of potential students for the IIT campus.
• Political stability. Tanzania is a politically stable country with a good track record of democracy. This makes it a good environment for an IIT campus to operate in.
• Cultural compatibility. Tanzania has a strong cultural affinity with India. This means that there is a good understanding of Indian culture and values in Tanzania, which will help to make the IIT campus a success.

Tanzania also provided the IIT with a number of financial incentives, including land, tax rebates, and assistance for infrastructural development. These incentives made Tanzania an appealing alternative for the IIT, leading to the decision to establish the first IIT campus outside of India in Zanzibar.

Sharing is caring!