Zanzibar moves to tackle youth unemployment

ZANZIBAR: CHALLENGES in coordinating youth employment programmes, weak labour data systems and limited economic empowerment facilities remain key obstacles facing Zanzibar’s youth development sector, Minister for Youth, Employment and Economic Empowerment, Shaaban Ali Othman has said.

Presenting the ministry’s achievements during the first 100 days of the second term of the eighth phase government under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the minister said the government is taking steps to address these issues while expanding opportunities for young people.

Among the challenges identified is confusion over employment responsibilities between the Department of Employment and the Labour Commission under the Employment Act No 11 of 2005.

The minister also cited the absence of economic empowerment centres at district level, making it difficult for citizens, particularly young entrepreneurs, to access services close to where they live.

Another concern, he said, is the weakness of systems used to collect data on youth employment opportunities, resulting in unreliable statistics that affect effective planning and policy decisions.

Othman also noted that some young people lack adequate civic education and patriotism, which may expose them to activities that undermine peace and development.

Despite these challenges, the minister said the government has made notable progress through the newly established Ministry of Youth, Employment and Economic Empowerment.

The ministry was created by President Mwinyi to specifically address youth-related challenges, particularly unemployment, while strengthening economic empowerment and cooperative development.

During the first 100 days, the government strengthened the ministry’s operations by providing office space, equipment and other working tools to enhance service delivery.

The ministry also resolved a land dispute in the Muyuni area of South Unguja, paving the way for future youth development projects.

Through its economic empowerment programmes, the government has issued loans worth more than 7.19bn/- to support business activities for 4,867 beneficiaries in Unguja and Pemba.

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In addition, special loans worth 83.5m/- were provided to vulnerable groups, including women’s groups and people with disabilities.

The ministry also trained 629 entrepreneurs in financial management and 299 entrepreneurs in production skills such as food processing, beekeeping, soap making, cosmetics production and solar equipment installation.

To improve market access, 50 entrepreneurs and 50 business groups were linked to business opportunities through local and international trade exhibitions in Zanzibar.

Seven companies have also obtained product quality certification from the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards, enabling them to improve competitiveness in local and international markets.

In efforts to strengthen grassroots economic activities, the ministry registered 475 new cooperative societies, bringing the total number of cooperatives in Zanzibar to 7,634.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing a 10-year strategic plan (2026–2035) aimed at addressing youth challenges, strengthening patriotism and expanding economic opportunities.

Working with the Zanzibar Planning and Development Board, the ministry is also developing a short-term employment strategy expected to create up to 388,000 jobs by 2030 in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, tourism, the blue economy and infrastructure.

The minister said the initiatives are part of broader government efforts to economically empower young people while strengthening social stability and national development.