The government of Tanzania continues to make concerted efforts to fight against illiteracy in the country, improve the quality of education, and ensure lifelong learning for all. The new education and training policy 2023 underscores the significance of education throughout one’s life and thus propagates investments in the provision of adult and nonformal education which is a vital element of lifelong learning. Through the Institute of Adult Education (IAE), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), they have been organizing conferences to raise awareness and encourage the participation of both state and non-state actors in adult education. These conferences serve as forums for technical discussions, financial assistance, resource sharing, and the exchange of expertise and experiences, offering valuable insights into best practices in adult education. A significant step in this ongoing effort is the National Conference on Lifelong Learning, which took place on, March 1st, 2024, at Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC). Organized by IAE, the conference brought together various stakeholders from every sector and level of education and training, focusing on effective approaches to implement adult education within the context of lifelong learning. The conference serves as a dynamic platform for steering discussions, dialogues, and awareness, enabling participants to collaboratively identify and address existing gaps in adult and nonformal education. DVV International Regional Director Frauke Heinze shared DVV’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry and IAE in the field of adult education and learning. Emphasizing adult education as a core component of lifelong learning, she highlighted its role in ensuring adults participate not only in the workforce but in society as a whole—a crucial instrument in addressing current and future skills challenges. As she said,” Adult education goes beyond literacy. It means enabling the provision of tailor-made and demand-oriented knowledge and skills development opportunities for adults which are affordable and easily accessible. It is an essential instrument in tackling current and future skills challenges”. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including the Guest of Honor, Honorable Permanent Secretary Prof. Carolyne Nombo, Chairperson of the Adult Education Council, Directors from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and the President's Office, Regional Administration, and Local Government, Members of Parliament, Education stakeholders and development partners and Director of the Institute of Adult Education Prof. Michael Ng’umbi. The event was further enriched by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in Zanzibar, UNICEF representatives, and various educational institutions. Some key takeaways from the Conference • Stakeholders emphasized the importance of embedding inclusivity and promoting gender equality in all Adult Learning Education programs and activities. • The recommendation was made for the Government, particularly through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), to recognize indigenous education, inventions, and innovations from individuals, shifting focus from formal education certificates. • Stakeholders urged the integration of science and technology into Adult Learning Education (ALE) programs to facilitate smooth distance learning, ensuring alignment with the modern global developments of the 21st century. • A call for increased efforts in research to assess diverse learner needs and the establishment of apprenticeship programs to equip learners with more functional and practical skills during their learning sessions. • Highlighting the importance of success, investment in user-friendly learning materials and teaching aids was identified as a key factor for the success of adult learning education programs. • There is a suggestion to re-evaluate the term "Adult Education" to align with current trends and cater to various types of learners, encompassing both youth and adults. The National Conference on Lifelong Learning marks a crucial step in nurturing collaboration among different stakeholders, development partners, and MOEST and sharing expertise to shape the future of adult education and lifelong learning by paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible educational landscape.