NEW DELHI: IIT  comes with Exciting news!  The first IIT campus outside India will come up in  Zanzibar, Tanzania the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. July 6

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that this new IIT campus in Zanzibar is set to launch its academic programs in October. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), IIT-Madras and Zanzibar have come together to create a world-class higher education and research institution, aiming to foster competencies aligned with emerging global demands.

This landmark initiative showcases the remarkable qualities of Indian higher education and innovation, offering inspiration to the world. The signing of the MoU took place on Wednesday in the presence of Minister of External Affairs, Jaishankar, and Zanzibar's President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi. By establishing the first IIT campus outside India in Zanzibar, India's global reputation in the field of education is further strengthened.

The collaboration between India's education ministry, IIT Madras, and Zanzibar's ministry of education and vocational training has paved the way for this momentous venture. It represents the enduring friendship between India and Tanzania while emphasizing India's commitment to fostering people-to-people connections across Africa and the Global South.

Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the establishment of campuses by high-performing Indian universities in foreign countries is highly encouraged. Recognizing the strategic partnership between Tanzania and India, the educational collaboration has been formalized through the signed document. This document provides the framework for the setting up of the proposed IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar-Tanzania, with plans to launch programs in October 2023. The MEA highlighted that this unique partnership will enable IIT Madras to bring its top-ranked educational expertise to a prominent African destination, catering to the region's educational needs.

Under this collaboration, IIT Madras will oversee the development of academic programs, curricula, student selection processes, and pedagogical aspects. The government of Zanzibar-Tanzania will provide the necessary capital and operating expenditure. The campus will confer IIT Madras degrees to enrolled students, promoting interdisciplinary education and attracting a diverse cohort, including students from Africa and beyond. Additionally, Indian students will also have the opportunity to apply for these programs.

The establishment of the IIT campus in Zanzibar will not only enhance India's global reputation and diplomatic relationships but also expand the international footprint of IIT Madras. It is a significant step toward strengthening educational ties between India and Tanzania, while making quality education more accessible in Africa and the Global South.

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