THE College of Business Education (CBE) is set to introduce PhD programme in business informatics to address the evolving needs of digital economy and technology.

Prof. Edda Lwoga, CBE Rector, unveiled this in Dar es Salaam yesterday when speaking during the opening of the stakeholders’ workshop on the programme’s curriculum development.

The experts reviewed the curriculum prepared by the college, offering their feedback before it is submitted to the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NACTIVET) for accreditation. Prof. Lwoga emphasised that the introduction of the programme is a crucial step towards advancing higher education, promoting technological innovation and contributing to the national development agenda.

CBE which operates four campuses across Tanzania has long been a leader in offering various academic programmes. In collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland, the college developed the curriculum, combining business expertise with technological innovation. The programme will focus on data analysis, information systems, digital transformation, and solution-based research.

Prof. Lwoga highlighted the high demand for graduates in the field, noting that they would be instrumental in driving technological change across both public and private sectors. 

She stressed that the programme would equip Tanzanian students with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy and boost industrial development. The curriculum aims to improve productivity in digital businesses, enhance international competition, and strengthen research and innovation within the digital business sector.

"This workshop is vital in shaping the future of the programme and stakeholders' input will ensure that the curriculum meets labour market demands and aligns with Tanzania’s development goals," she said.

Once approved, the curriculum will be implemented at CBE, marking the first business informatics programme in the country to produce expert researchers focused on technological innovation in business systems. 

Prof. Lwoga emphasised the rapid pace of technological change, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, which has been integrated into the curriculum development process. The collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland began in 2014 with Finnish experts helping train CBE’s faculty. Currently, several Tanzanian lecturers pursue PhDs programme in business informatics at the University of Eastern Finland.

Angela Runyoro, Senior Lecturer at the National College of Transport (NIT), praised the curriculum, noting that it would teach students how to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into business practices. 

"IT is essential in every sector today. CBE is focused on developing competent business informatics professionals who can modernise business management systems," she said. "These experts will conduct research, teach others, and help businesses adopt the latest technological systems, ultimately benefiting the country and beyond," she said.