"This isn’t just a reunion - it’s a reminder of the global community we’re part of"

Several African KTH alumni shared their experiences of student life in Sweden, recalling both the challenges and rewards of adapting to a new academic and cultural environment. Their reflections also touched on how KTH shaped their professional journeys—opening doors in academia, entrepreneurship, government, and the private sector. One alumna now leading sustainable infrastructure projects in Tanzania emphasized how her time at KTH gave her the technical skills and confidence to lead. Another alumnus, active in research and development, noted how KTH’s international environment broadened her view of global issues and encouraged long-term collaboration.

The event also highlighted exciting possibilities for future cooperation. One discussion focused on connecting KTH field study students with local Tanzanian alumni who are running businesses within waste management. This initiative aims to create opportunities for students to pursue their thesis work in collaboration with alumni entrepreneurs, addressing pressing environmental challenges while gaining hands-on experience in sustainable business practices.

Alumni Reflections on Exchange and Personal Growth

A former GDH exchange student, now back in Tanzania after spending a semester at KTH, reflected on how the experience broadened their professional perspective:
“Before, I saw myself simply as a programmer. But after my time at KTH, I’ve come to see that I can also contribute to the ideation process—creating solutions to real societal challenges. I’ve realized that I don’t just write code; I help shape the final product. I now feel much more confident in the value I bring to a team.” Another student shared that the most valuable aspect of studying in another country was the personal growth:

“I learned so much about myself—my strengths, my weaknesses, and how to improve. I also learned how different people and places can be, and how to adapt. That was the biggest benefit.”

Their exchange experience also expanded their career perspectives:

“After the course at KTH, I now see I can work with challenges, project management, or innovative solutions—not just in IT, but in broader roles. It opened up new career options I hadn’t considered before.”

It was wonderful to see our alumni warmly welcome the KTH field study students who recently, guiding them around Dar es Salaam and introducing them to the city’s key spots. These friendships are truly invaluable, making the transition to a completely new environment much easier and helping the students feel safer and more at home.

KTH alumni in Tanzania

The strong turnout at the event reflects the deep ties between KTH and Tanzania—many of the attendees were former participants in either the Sida-funded Research for Development Programme or the KTH Global Development Hub (GDH) exchange initiative. These two programmes have played a pivotal role in shaping KTH’s alumni community in the region.

The GDH programme, through its Challenge-Driven Education model, gives students the opportunity to work on real-world sustainability challenges in collaboration with communities, industries, and academic institutions in the African partner countries and in Sweden. Since its start, KTH has enabled vibrant student exchange and innovation, with the 100th African exchange student and scholarship holder arriving at KTH in spring 2025.

Complementing this, the Sida-funded programme has supported Tanzanian researchers and PhD students since the late 1970s. Through longstanding partnerships with institutions like Ardhi University and the University of Dar es Salaam, KTH and our Tanzanian partner universities have built significant research capacity and fostered a strong academic network in the country.

These initiatives not only explain the large Tanzanian alumni presence but also underscore KTH’s ongoing commitment to global collaboration and inclusive education.