Call for youth to acquire modern skills for Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation
MOROGORO: THE Tanzanian government has urged young people to invest in specialized and modern skills that can help solve emerging social and economic challenges, saying the country’s future growth will depend heavily on an innovative and highly skilled generation.
The call was made by the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development, Joel Nanauka, during the launch of the Platform Campus Connect Youth Forum for Morogoro Region held at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
Nanauka said Tanzania currently needs at least 12.6 percent of its youth population to possess advanced skills capable of driving value addition, innovation and competitiveness in different sectors of the economy.
He noted that the government is now placing greater emphasis on practical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving abilities among young people, rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.
“Everyone understands the challenges facing society today. What we are looking for are solutions. That is why, when we talk about Idea Hubs, we want young people who come with solutions and innovations that can transform communities,” he said.
The minister encouraged students and graduates to embrace technology, entrepreneurship and innovation as key tools for unlocking opportunities in the rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking at the event, Gairo District Commissioner Japhari Kubecha, who represented Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima, urged young people benefiting from government loans to ensure the funds are used for their intended purposes.
He emphasized the importance of timely loan repayment, saying the revolving funds are designed to benefit more youth across the country.
“These loans are interest-free. Once you repay them, another young person also gets the opportunity to access capital and improve their life. Failing to repay denies others that opportunity,” he said.
Kubecha added that responsible use of youth loans would help stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen community development.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Amandus Muhairwa, called on young people to use the Platform Campus Connect forum as a gateway to innovation, networking and personal development.
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He said universities have a crucial role in nurturing a generation capable of contributing meaningful ideas and solutions to national development.
The Platform Campus Connect Youth Forum is expected to provide a strategic space for discussions on youth opportunities, participation and empowerment, while strengthening the role of young people in Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation.
