Bunge committee advocates for empowering young innovators

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has been urged to establish a dedicated programme aimed at nurturing youth innovation and creativity throughout the country.

This initiative would provide support for young people to develop their innovative ideas and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The call was made yesterday by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Suleiman Kakoso, during a visit to the ICT Commission’s offices in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Kakoso stressed the importance of identifying and empowering young nnovators to drive economic development through their creative solutions.

“We urge the government to create a special programme that will guide the development of initiatives to help youth expand their creativity,” he said.

“It is essential to identify young innovators who are capable of making a significant contribution to the country’s economy with their inventions.”

Mr Kakoso also acknowledged the government’s efforts in establishing innovation hubs across the country, expressing appreciation for the support extended to young innovators.

The committee was particularly impressed by the progress made in constructing these centres, with Mr Kakoso noting that the government is building new hubs to complement the existing eight.

“We now have more innovation hubs, which will be crucial for young people with innovative ideas that need support,” he said.

“This is a significant step in ensuring young innovators have the opportunity to thrive.” Mr Kakoso also noted the importance of completing the hubs on time, urging the government to ensure timely fulfilment of contracts.

The committee also commended the government’s plan to build a training institute that will provide young innovators with a platform to develop their ideas without requiring formal degrees.

ALSO READ: Bunge Committee: Kilombero Sugar expansion project to drive economic growth

“This is a great opportunity for young people with creative ideas, as the institute will allow them to showcase their talents and receive the necessary support to advance them,” he said, adding, “The government has made a significant move in providing these resources.”

He cited several examples of young Tanzanians who have made remarkable contributions but lacked the support to advance their projects.

“We have seen young people develop electricity solutions in Njombe and even build helicopters in Morogoro and Songwe,” Mr Kakoso said.

“However, these innovations have not been developed further due to the lack of government support. Now, these innovation hubs will help identify and support such talents.”

Mr Kakoso also stressed the need for the government to protect and support young innovators by providing the resources necessary for their ideas to succeed.

Echoing Mr Kakoso’s sentiments, the Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to transform Tanzania into a digital economy.

“This visit is part of our continued efforts to ensure that Tanzania becomes a digital nation by equipping young innovators with the tools and support they need to succeed,” Ms Mahundi said.

She also revealed that the Dar es Salaam innovation hub is one of 17 planned centres across the country, with eight already under construction in various regions.

“The government has already begun construction on eight innovation hubs across the country, with more to follow,” she said.

“The goal is to help young innovators formalise their work, ensure legal recognition, and provide them with a safe and secure platform to thrive.”

She added that a large innovation school will be built in Dodoma, the country’s capital, as part of efforts to promote digital skills and innovation.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of fostering local innovation rather than relying solely on foreign talent.

The Director General of the ICT Commission, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga said efforts to expand innovation centres across the country are on track.

“Currently, there are innovation centres in eight regions, and we plan to have 11 centres in total,” Dr Mwasaga said.

“These centres, including those in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, will play a vital role in helping young innovators develop their ideas and products,” Dr Mwasaga said, adding that the innovation hubs are open to all young Tanzanians with creative ideas.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that Tanzanian innovators would not only succeed within the country but also gain recognition on the global stage.