In the heart of Dar es Salaam, a unique collaboration is unfolding at the Kawe construction sites, where over 400 Tanzanian employees of China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company (CRJE) are undergoing a transformative two-month training program. This initiative, conducted by Chinese technical and vocational education instructors, is not just about upskilling; it’s a bridge between cultures, technologies, and professional standards.
The program, coordinated by the China-Africa Vocational Education Alliance, is a testament to the power of partnerships. Instructors from Zibo Polytechnic University, Shandong Polytechnic, and Jiangsu Urban and Rural Construction Vocational College are sharing their expertise in construction safety, intelligent construction technology, engineering material testing, and measurement techniques. This is more than a training session; it’s a knowledge exchange that’s reshaping the construction landscape in Tanzania.
Jiang Feng from Zibo Polytechnic University is at the forefront of this exchange, focusing on the use of advanced measurement equipment like theodolites, total stations, and RTK systems. He’s not just teaching Tanzanian staff about these tools; he’s empowering them to apply this knowledge in practical field scenarios. Meanwhile, Chinese employees are learning about domestic innovations, broadening their technical horizons.
Fu Yutao of Shandong Polytechnic is emphasizing engineering quality inspections and material testing, ensuring that both Tanzanian and Chinese staff are well-versed in safety protocols. Yuan Fenghua of Jiangsu Urban and Rural Construction Vocational College is integrating construction site safety with intelligent technology applications, ensuring that local employees gain practical operational skills while Chinese staff enhance their safety management and project oversight.
This program aligns seamlessly with Tanzania’s TVET development goals, as noted by Shen Jinyu, project manager for the China-Africa Vocational Education Alliance in Dar es Salaam. It’s a clear example of how international cooperation can support local skill development, helping Tanzanian employees meet the skill standards required by Chinese enterprises in the country.
The hands-on approach of the program has been well-received by Tanzanian participants. Adam Agostino, a 27-year-old civil engineer at CRJE (East Africa) Ltd., praised the program for its practical instruction on level machines and safety protocols. He noted the advanced safety practices introduced by Chinese instructors, which are a significant step up from local companies.
Wang Shuaipeng, CRJE’s Tanzania human resource manager, described the program as a “new and effective approach” to skill development. It’s bringing advanced knowledge and practice experience to Tanzanian workers, reflecting broader China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. This collaboration is not just about construction; it’s about combining knowledge transfer, technical capacity building, and workplace safety enhancements, while strengthening cross-cultural professional ties.
Throughout the two-month program, trainees will gain hands-on experience in equipment operation, quality assurance, and safety practices. This foundation will support high-quality construction projects and the professionalization of local construction labor forces. The project also provides a model for future China-Africa vocational collaborations, paving the way for knowledge transfer, skills enhancement, and safer, higher-quality construction practices across the continent.
In the words of Wang Shuaipeng, this is more than just a training program; it’s a new and effective approach to skill development. It’s a testament to the power of international cooperation and the potential of knowledge exchange in shaping the future of the construction sector in Tanzania and beyond.