The Norwegian government will provide Sh4.3 billion over the next five years to support professional development of 150 female engineers.

Deputy Minister for Works Edwin Ngonyani said: “This is the second support from the Norwegian government for professional development of female graduate engineers. The last support was provided in 2010, when the Norwegian government disbursed Sh3 billion to train 300 female graduate engineers.”

Chairman of Engineering Registration Board (ERB) Ninatubu Lema said the support, which complements government financing of an apprenticeship programme for graduate engineers was necessary for accomplishing the national goal of attaining an industrial economy and middle income status by 2025.

Norwegian ambassador to Tanzania Hanne-Marie Kastaarstad who signed the package agreement said such support was vital for women’s economic empowerment.

“We should be treated as the major drivers for attaining an industrial economy,” said the Norwegian ambassador.

The ERB registrar Steven Mlote said since 2003 the programme had supported 3,555 engineers, including 847 female engineers.