Govt-private sector pact boosts youth skills, jobs

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has been commended for creating a conducive environment for the private sector to play a greater role in equipping young people with skills and expanding employment opportunities as Tanzania moves to implement the National Development Vision 2050.

The Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), Prof Omari Mbura said recently in Dar es Salaam that the collaboration between the government and private sector was delivering tangible results in preparing young people for the labour market and supporting national development.

He was giving the remarks during the official closing of the Board of Directors meeting of Epvate and Fortune International Consulting Limited (EFIC).

ALSO READ: Govt intensifies youth skills drive to create jobs

Prof Mbura said Vision 2050 places strong emphasis on building a skilled and competitive workforce by providing youth with professional training, confidence and motivation.

“Equipping young people with skills and creating an environment that enables them to secure employment or become self-employed is among the government’s priorities under Vision 2050. EFIC, which has reached more than 20,000 young people and created employment for over 400, demonstrates the value of partnerships in advancing youth development,” he said.

EFIC Managing Director, Dr Peter Mapigano thanked the government for supporting the institution since its establishment in 2017, saying the partnership has enabled the organisation to expand its youth empowerment programmes nationwide.

“We are working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Youth Development to equip young people with skills, provide training and connect them with available employment opportunities,” he said. Dr Mapigano noted that rapid technological advancement was transforming the labour market, making it essential to equip young people with digital and professional skills that will enable them to remain competitive.

He also expressed optimism that EFIC would expand its youth empowerment initiatives after joining the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), saying the move would open up more opportunities through projects implemented under the authority.