Government stresses timely information to unlock opportunities

SUMBAWANGA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed local government leaders to ensure young people receive timely information on economic opportunities to help them secure jobs and start businesses.

He issued the directives yesterday during the launch of National Youth Week celebrations at Ndua Grounds in Sumbawanga Municipal Council, Rukwa Region, under the theme “Different Environments, Equal Opportunities for Youth.” The Premier was represented by Minister for Education Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda.

The celebrations began on October 8 and will culminate on October 14, Nyerere Day. Dr Nchemba directed regional commissioners, district commissioners, council directors and youth development officers to ensure information on available opportunities reaches young people in simple language and on time at ward, village and street levels.

He said young people should not have to travel to regional headquarters to learn how to apply for loans, register businesses, access training or participate in tenders.

The PM urged local government authorities to help young people identify and develop projects based on the economic potential of their areas.

In Rukwa, he cited opportunities in agriculture, livestock keeping, crop trading, processing, transport and activities linked to Lake Tanganyika.

He encouraged young people to become commercial farmers, processors, transporters, traders, service providers and employers, rather than remain spectators in the local economy.

Dr Nchemba said opportunities were available through government programmes, private companies, financial institutions, universities, development partners, international organisations and other stakeholders.

They include scholarships, skills training, start-up capital, internships, apprenticeships, business advice, market access, innovation competitions and exchange programmes.He urged young people to seek information through official platforms, understand eligibility requirements and prepare quality applications. Many opportunities, he noted, were missed because applicants failed to obtain information on time or prepare adequately.

In the labour and employment sector, he said opportunities include skills development, apprenticeships, workplace experience and access to jobs at home and abroad.

“In agriculture, young people can engage in agribusiness, production, processing, value addition and marketing. The

Jenga Kesho Iliyo Bora (BBT) programme supports youth participation in modern agriculture as a business,” he said.

In mining, opportunities range from mineral extraction and processing to value addition, trading and services around mining areas. The government supports small-scale miners through access to mining areas, licences, training, technology and capital.

Other opportunities exist in livestock farming, dairy and meat production, poultry, animal feed production, fish farming and fisheries processing, as well as the wider blue economy.

Dr Nchemba said industrial development and trade offered opportunities in manufacturing, small and medium-sized industries, distribution and access to domestic and international markets.

“Young people can also explore information and communications technology, including technology start-ups, digital services, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and cybersecurity,” he said.

In education, 1,000 students have received Samia Scholarship awards for undergraduate studies in technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine for the 2026/2027 academic year.

High-performing science students are also being sent abroad for government-sponsored studies in emerging technology fields. Students have already been sent to Ireland, South Africa and Russia.

He futher said that opportunities are also available in tourism, energy, construction, transport, health, financial services, arts, culture, sports and the green economy.