The IIT Madras Zanzibar campus is poised to become a hub of excellence in higher education and research in Africa
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), India's top-ranked engineering institute, has embarked on a pioneering venture by opening its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This landmark development not only marks a significant step in the internationalization of Indian higher education but also promises to revolutionize the academic landscape in Africa.
 
The IIT Madras Zanzibar campus was formally inaugurated by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on November 6, 2023. Dean of School Science and Engineering & Director-in-Charge, IIT Madras-Zanzibar Preeti Aghalayam attended the ceremony. IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti participated in the event through a live stream.
 
The inauguration has been described as a historic moment for Tanzania and Africa as a whole.
 
Speaking at the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit on November 17, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This year, Bharat's first Indian Institute of Technology campus has also been opened in Tanzania. This is our new initiative for capacity building in the Global South which will be taken forward in other regions too”.
 
Earlier, speaking at an event in the presence of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hasan in New Delhi on October 9, 2023, Prime Minister Modi described the opening of the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus as an “important milestone”.
 
LAUNCHING A NEW ERA OF LEARNING

The IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar is the result of a collaborative effort between IIT Madras and the governments of India and Zanzibar. In fact, it took just six months from initial discussions between IIT Madras and India’s Ministry of Education to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the campus in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while on a visit to Zanzibar on July 6, 2023.
 
“This historic step reflects India’s commitment to the Global South,” EAM Jaishankar said after the MoU to set up the campus was signed.
 
Classes commenced in the last week of October this year, from a temporary campus which has all facilities including residential hostels. The government of Zanzibar has already sanctioned about 200 acres of land for a permanent campus.
 
During his visit to Tanzania on November 21-22, 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan visited the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus with Zanzibar’s Minister of Education & Vocational Training Lela Muhamed Mussa and interacted with students and faculty. He also visited the site allocated by the Government of Zanzibar for the upcoming permanent campus of IIT Madras Zanzibar.
 
THE LEGACY OF IIT MADRAS ALUMNI
The reputation of IIT Madras climbs by its distinguished alumni, who have made remarkable contributions in various fields.
 
Vineeta Singh, the CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics and a notable figure from the reality TV show Shark Tank India, is an IIT Madras alumnus who exemplifies entrepreneurial success. Her journey from an electrical engineering student to a leading businesswoman is a testament to the diverse potential IIT Madras instils in its graduates.
 
Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, is another illustrious alumnus. His contributions to India's IT industry evidences the institute's role in shaping global technology leaders.
 
Similarly, Prabhakar Raghavan, a Senior Vice President at Google, reflects the institute's excellence in producing leaders who spearhead innovation in major tech companies.
 
Animashree Anandkumar, a director at NVIDIA and a professor at the California Institute of Technology, is a beacon of women's representation in STEM fields.
 
Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation and one of the richest Indians, showcases the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured at IIT Madras.
 
M Jagadesh Kumar, head of the University Grants Commission (UGC), and Prem Watsa, founder of Fairfax Financial Holdings, further illustrate the wide-ranging impact of the institute's alumni in academia and finance.
 
Shivakumar Venkatraman of Google Labs, Krishna Bharat, who led the development of Google News, and R. Prasanna, a fusion music maestro, are other notable names that highlight the diverse talents and achievements of IIT Madras graduates.
 
With its legacy of producing eminent alumni, IIT Madras's foray into Africa is indeed a game-changer in the realm of higher education.
 
IMPACT BEYOND BORDERS
The significance of IIT Madras's presence in Zanzibar extends beyond geographical boundaries. It is poised to become a hub of excellence in higher education and research in Africa, offering cutting-edge programs and fostering an environment of innovation and creativity.
 
The campus is expected to cater not only to students from Tanzania but also from neighbouring African countries, thereby contributing to the technological advancement and skill development of the African youth.
 
Right now, IIT Madras Zanzibar offers two courses – Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science & Master of Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. There are about 50 students, half of whom are from Africa; the rest are from India.
 
SETTING A PRECEDENT IN AFRICA
The establishment of the IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar follows the opening of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Uganda, signalling India's growing educational influence in Africa. These initiatives are part of India's broader strategy to enhance its engagement with the African continent in areas of education and skill development.
 
The IIT Madras Zanzibar campus, with its focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation, is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future leaders of Africa. It stands as an element of hope for many aspiring students in the continent, offering access to world-class education and research opportunities.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this campus is reflective of the longstanding friendship between India and Tanzania and a reminder of the focus India places on building people to people ties across Africa and the Global South.
 
The opening of the IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar is not just a significant achievement for the institute but a monumental step in strengthening India-Africa educational ties. It symbolizes a new era of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth, paving the way for a brighter future for students in Africa and beyond.
 
“We are confident that this will become one of the topmost campuses in Africa,” IIT Madras Director Kamakoti said during the inauguration.