Tanzania: Primary Schools Face 37pc Teacher Shortage

What the report says

Tanzania’s government says primary schools are short of teachers by 37%, a gap notably wider than the 16.4% shortage reported in secondary schools. The issue was discussed in the National Assembly in Dodoma, where Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Dr Festo Dugange, outlined recruitment plans meant to ease staffing pressures and improve classroom conditions.

According to the Daily News report distributed by AllAfrica, the shortages have been worsened by higher enrolment after the introduction of fee-free education and by the expansion of school infrastructure. Dugange said recruitment will continue annually, with new hires directed to regions and districts with the greatest staffing needs. He said the government recruited 64,772 teachers from the 2021/22 through 2025/26 financial years, including 15,054 in 2025/26.

The minister also said preparations are under way for an expected double intake of Form One students in 2028, which will require additional classrooms and teachers. MPs raised questions about volunteer teachers and about specific shortages in districts such as Lushoto, and Dugange said volunteer teachers are considered through the normal public service recruitment process while areas with the largest gaps are prioritized. The report suggests the staffing challenge remains a significant planning issue for Tanzania’s education system, especially as enrolment grows.