Note: Since this brief review of educational reform in Tanzania is intended to offer insight into a number of problems that confront those involved in transforming the recently independent societies of southern Africa, and since my research on these issues is still at a preliminary stage, I present my comments in schematic form. A brief note on resources and selected citations appear at the end.

At the end of colonial rule in Africa, almost everywhere the formal educational system was assigned major roles in the construction of the new society. Skilled personnel had to be trained to replace the departing Europeans. The vast expansion of social services required many new doctors, engineers, and architects. The increased responsibilities of the public sector required managers, accountants, and planners. And, of course, there had to be a rapid increase in the teaching corps, at all levels.