Timor-Leste Approves $16.47 Million for New Betanou Polytechnic Institute Building
On June 18, 2025, the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste approved a budget of $16.47 million for the construction of new facilities at the Betano Polytechnic Institute (IPB) in Manufahi Municipality. The proposal, presented by Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment Gastão de Sousa, is part of the Integrated Development Plan under the National Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030. The project aims to enhance the quality of higher education and strengthen the training of qualified professionals in strategic fields critical to national development.
This initiative builds on a 2022 agreement between the then Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Longuinhos dos Santos, and the Director of Chongqing International Construction Corporation, which initially estimated the project cost at $4.5 million. Since then, the budget has been revised to reflect the expanded scope and requirements of the new facilities.
By June 24, 2025, the construction process had advanced to the bidding phase. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture announced that the project would soon move forward with procurement and contracting procedures. The new IPB facilities will initially offer courses in animal health and engineering, with plans to expand into fisheries and marine engineering in the future. These programs are designed to support regional development and reduce the concentration of educational opportunities in the capital, Dili, by providing accessible technical and professional training in Manufahi.
The government emphasizes that this project aligns with its broader strategy to decentralize education and develop human resources capable of contributing to Timor-Leste’s sustainable growth. The construction of the Betano Polytechnic Institute is expected to be completed by 2026–2027, marking a significant step toward improving higher education infrastructure and fostering skilled labor in key sectors across the country.