Hundreds gain marketable skills through NBC scholarship programme

MOROGORO: In a significant effort to address youth unemployment while strengthening Tanzania’s future workforce, 588 young Tanzanians have officially embarked on vocational training through the NBC Wajibika Scholarship Programme.

The initiative, funded by the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in collaboration with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), represents a major investment in practical skills development aimed at improving employment prospects, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the country’s broader economic growth ambitions.

The scholarship programme is currently being implemented at VETA Kihonda in Morogoro and VETA Mwanza, where beneficiaries are receiving specialized vocational training designed to equip them with skills that are highly relevant to the modern labour market.

Through this initiative, NBC continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering young people by providing opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment and long-term economic independence.

A total of 588 beneficiaries have been selected for the programme, with 294 trainees enrolled at each institution. The participants are undertaking training in areas that continue to experience strong demand across various sectors of the economy. These include Electrical Installation, Plumbing, and Fashion Design, Tailoring and Garment Technology. By focusing on these market-driven trades, the programme aims to ensure that graduates acquire skills that can be applied immediately in both employment and self-employment settings.

NBC has invested more than 150m/- to support the implementation of the programme. This substantial financial commitment reflects the bank’s belief that investment in human capital remains one of the most effective strategies for promoting inclusive economic development and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.

The official launch of the scholarship programme took place at VETA Kihonda and brought together senior VETA officials, educators, scholarship beneficiaries, and representatives from NBC. The event was officiated by the Eastern Zone VETA Director, Mr. John Mwanja, who represented the VETA Director General. Also present were the Principal of VETA Kihonda, Dr. Ulimwengu Salumu, and NBC’s Head of Communications and Public Relations, Mr. Godwin Semunyu.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Mr. Semunyu emphasized that the initiative forms part of NBC’s broader commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development agenda. According to him, the bank continues to invest strategically in sectors such as education, health, sports, and youth empowerment because of their critical role in driving national progress and improving the quality of life for communities across the country.

Mr. Semunyu noted that youth employment remains one of the most important development challenges facing Tanzania today. With more than 70 percent of the country’s population below the age of 35, he explained that Tanzania’s future economic success will depend significantly on how effectively young people are equipped with relevant skills, knowledge, and opportunities that can enable them to participate productively in the economy.

He further observed that while the number of graduates entering the labour market continues to increase every year, employment opportunities have not expanded at the same rate. As a result, vocational and technical education has become increasingly important in ensuring that young people possess practical competencies that match the needs of employers and the wider economy.

According to Mr. Semunyu, vocational education provides young people with hands-on skills that can be applied immediately in workplaces, businesses, and various income-generating activities. He stressed that such training empowers beneficiaries not only to seek employment but also to create jobs for themselves and others. In doing so, they can become active contributors to economic growth within their communities and across the nation.

He added that this is one of the key reasons why NBC continues to invest in programmes that deliver measurable and long-lasting impact. By supporting initiatives that develop practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, the bank hopes to help create a generation of young people capable of driving innovation, productivity, and economic transformation.

Mr. Semunyu also encouraged the scholarship beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them. He urged them to approach the training with commitment, discipline, and determination, emphasizing that the knowledge and skills they acquire could serve as the foundation for lifelong economic empowerment and personal success.

On his part, Eastern Zone VETA Director Mr. John Mwanja commended NBC for its investment in vocational education. He described private sector participation as an essential element in strengthening technical and vocational training systems and ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that align closely with labour market requirements.

Mr. Mwanja explained that partnerships between industry and training institutions play a crucial role in preparing a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern economy. Such collaborations help training institutions identify emerging skills needs, improve learning environments, expand opportunities for practical training, and enhance the employability of graduates.

Meanwhile, VETA Kihonda Principal Dr. Ulimwengu Salumu provided further details about the programme, explaining that the training runs for five months and officially commenced on May 25. The curriculum combines classroom learning with intensive practical training, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience relevant to real-world working environments.

In addition to technical training, participants are also receiving entrepreneurship education and life-skills training. These additional components are intended to help beneficiaries develop the confidence, leadership qualities, and business management capabilities required to establish and successfully operate their own enterprises.

Dr. Salumu noted that the programme’s objective extends beyond producing skilled technicians. It also seeks to nurture innovative entrepreneurs capable of creating value, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to national economic prosperity. He expressed confidence that the trainees would complete the programme with the skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in today’s dynamic labour market.

For many of the beneficiaries, the scholarship represents much more than access to vocational education. It offers a pathway toward personal transformation, economic empowerment, and a brighter future.

Speaking on behalf of fellow trainees, beneficiary Peter Lwana expressed appreciation to NBC for investing in young people through the programme. He noted that the opportunity has opened doors that many aspiring young professionals previously believed were beyond their reach.

According to Mr. Lwana, the skills being acquired through the programme will enable beneficiaries to become self-reliant, establish their own businesses, and ultimately create employment opportunities for others. He described the scholarship as a powerful opportunity that is helping young people transform their ambitions into achievable realities.

His sentiments were shared by fellow beneficiaries Penina Nilanga, Fauzia Kassim, and William Amon, who also acknowledged the positive impact the scholarship is expected to have on their futures and the communities they serve.

As Tanzania continues its journey toward industrialization and inclusive economic growth, initiatives such as the NBC Wajibika Scholarship Programme highlight the importance of strategic partnerships in building a skilled and competitive workforce. By equipping young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and the confidence needed to succeed, the programme is helping prepare the next generation to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future prosperity and sustainable development.