NDC Tanzania Historical Background

The road to NDC can be traced back from the establishment of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) in the mid-sixties. However, the concrete idea of establishing NDC in Tanzania was mooted in the 1990s. Prior to opening NDC Tanzania, officers from Tanzania People's Defence Forces have been attending NDC abroad specifically in Kenya, India, UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan, to mention but a few.

The concept of establishing NDC has existed for more than three decades. In 1998 the TPDF HQs formed a committee which examined possibilities of establishing NDC. The committee underscored the desirability and importance of having the NDC in the country. However, it was not easy to establish such an institution at that time due to financial constraints and heavy running costs of the college. In 2008 the idea of establishing NDC was again revived. The Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army was approached and they kindly consented to construct the premises-gratis. On 10 January, 2011 the newly constructed campus was handed over to TPDF in a grandiose ceremony officiated by the Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi. On 11 April, 2011 the NDC Faculty comprising the Commandant Major General (now Lieutenant General (rtd) and ambassador of URT Zimbabwe, Charles Lawrance Makakala, three SDS and the College Secretary were appointed to start preparations for NDC Course 01. On 10 September 2012 Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces officially inaugurated the College and its First Course.