Science, technology to boost youth enterprise
ZANZIBAR: GREATER adoption of science and technology, particularly among young people and women, could drive innovation, strengthen entrepreneurial confidence and create new economic opportunities as Zanzibar prepares its workforce for a rapidly changing economy.
The remarks were made during an engagement with students at the Zanzibar School of Business, where experts urged youths to embrace science, technology and innovation as tools for building competitive businesses and creating opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.
The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) Business Management Manager, Elia Kinshaga, said practical knowledge of science and technology could equip students with the confidence and skills needed to develop innovative and sustainable enterprises.
“Technology is increasingly important for young entrepreneurs because digital tools can support business planning, communication, marketing and service delivery,” Mr Kinshaga said, adding I urged students to move beyond traditional business models and explore how technology could improve the products and services they plan to offer.
ASO READ: UNESCO hails TANAPA’s efforts in conservation of Serengeti National Park
Ramadhan Said Omar, an ICT officer at Zanzibar’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, said government initiatives were focused on equipping young people with practical and digital skills to pursue self-employment and create their own economic opportunities after completing their studies.
He said combining academic education with practical and digital skills would enable students to identify opportunities, develop business ideas and reduce reliance on formal employment.
The approach comes as Zanzibar seeks to expand economic opportunities for youths and strengthen entrepreneurship as part of its broader development agenda.
A student at the Zanzibar School of Business, Khadija Ramadhan, said the programme would expose students studying computer and business subjects to new areas of innovation and help them apply technology in their future careers.
Fellow students Yassir Hassan Vuai and Samiha Jaffar Abdalla said the programme would support them in pursuing their academic and professional goals.
For youths and women, access to digital tools can help overcome traditional barriers by improving access to information, markets and customers, while enabling entrepreneurs to market products and conduct transactions online.
The engagement also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between educational institutions, government agencies and science and technology organisations to ensure students gain practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
By introducing students to real-world applications of technology, Zanzibar can help nurture entrepreneurs capable of responding to changing market demands and turning innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
