A total of 1,051 top-performing Form Six graduates will benefit from this year’s Samia Scholarship Programme, nearly doubling last year’s 650 recipients. All students with disabilities who scored Division One have secured scholarships, affirming the programme’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

Education Minister Prof. Adolf Mkenda announced the expansion in Dodoma, emphasizing that the scholarships target students pursuing degrees in science, ICT, engineering, mathematics, and medical fields. “Selection will be purely merit-based,” he stressed.

Of the total, 51 scholarships are reserved for students with disabilities who achieved top scores. A separate Samia Scholarship Extended Programme will support 50 exceptional students for overseas studies in advanced fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science.

The extended initiative, known as Mama Samia 360 – DSP/AI+, includes a 10-month boot camp, international placements, and partnerships with the Nelson Mandela Institution and a tech-focused university in Zanzibar.

With a TSh 50 billion budget, the programme also invites Tanzanian diaspora experts to contribute through mentorship, training, and global networking, helping position Tanzania at the forefront of technological advancement.