A Study on Sustainable Development through Higher Education: The Role of Sino-Tanzania Academic Partnerships in Achieving SDG 4

Sino-Tanzania academic partnerships play a crucial role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by promoting inclusive and quality higher education. As China strengthens its educational ties with African nations, understanding the impact, challenges, and sustainability of these collaborations is essential. This study examines the contributions of Sino-Tanzania academic partnerships to higher education development, focusing on knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and student mobility. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative thematic analysis of interviews, policy documents reviews, and survey responses with quantitative statistical analysis of academic experiences and institutional effectiveness. Data were collected from 300 participants, including Tanzanian students studying in China, Chinese volunteers teaching in Tanzania, and faculty members engaged in research collaborations. Thematic findings highlight key benefits such as enhanced institutional capacity, improved research opportunities, and increased employability for Tanzanian graduates. However, challenges remain, including language barriers, curriculum misalignment, and financial dependencies. Quantitative analysis supports these findings, revealing a significant correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) between academic partnerships and career advancement, as well as disparities in perceived education quality improvements (t(183) = 2.56, p = 0.012). The study underscores the need for policy interventions to enhance partnership sustainability, including stronger institutional frameworks, increased local ownership, and curriculum integration. International organizations such as UNESCO and the African Union can play a critical role in facilitating equitable and mutually beneficial academic collaborations. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and student adaptation experiences in South-South partnerships.