The HEET Project areas, as identified also by the Government are 14 priority and they are based on key disciplines required to build an industrial economy and propel forward Tanzania’s development agenda. These disciplines are aligned with the priority economic sectors identified in Tanzania’s National Skills Development Strategy 2015/16-2025/26, Vision 2025 and the Education and Training Policy 2014, as having the greatest potential for growth over the coming decade and which function as cross-sector enablers. 

The 14 priority areas are: (i) engineering and technology; (ii) ICT; (iii) material sciences; (iv) health sciences; (v) urban and environmental engineering and technology; (vi) renewable energy; (vii) water resources; (viii) climate change; (ix) agriculture and agribusiness; (x) wildlife conservation; (xi) tourism and hospitality; (xii) academic industry linkages; (xiii) humanities; and (xiv) education.

The project finances the implementation of institution-specific University Strategic Investment Plans (USIPs) that detail activities to meet the strategic objectives of improving the learning environment at the institution and enhancing the labor market alignment of priority degree programs. About 260 priority degree programs are expected to be supported under the project. The USIP activities are organized into three internally-focused areas to improve teaching and learning and three externally-focused areas to strengthen research and industry linkages. Areas to improve teaching and learning include: (i) renovation and/or construction of energy efficient infrastructure including lecture halls, laboratories and workshops that promote accessibility for those with disabilities and address gender considerations and safety concerns; (ii) capacity building of academic staff and university leadership including awareness on emerging environmental issues and teaching and advising students with disabilities; and (iii) curriculum review and reform, which will include introduction of innovative pedagogy and responsiveness to growing climate change issues. Areas to strengthen research and industry linkages include: (i) industry and private sector partnerships; (ii) promoting self-generated income through revenue-earning activities; and (iii) promoting applied research and innovation. Each higher education institution has developed a USIP that addresses its unique needs, challenges and context and has received technical assistance under the project to strengthen their plans and incorporate good practices that have demonstrated success in similar contexts globally.