MPs push financing for VETA graduates
DODOMA: THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports has called for vocational education graduates to be linked with affordable financing to enable them to start businesses, create jobs and contribute to the national economy.
The committee warned that expanding vocational training without clear pathways for employment and selfemployment will limit the impact of government investment in skills development.
Speaking during a visit to VETA Bahi College in Dodoma on Sunday, Committee Chairperson Husna Sekiboko commended the government for expanding vocational education under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda, saying the results were now visible.
“When the President introduced the VETA agenda, many thought it was ordinary, but we are now seeing its impact and the far-reaching vision behind it,” she said.
Ms Sekiboko urged VETA to align its courses with the economic activities of surrounding communities. She said colleges located in agricultural areas should introduce programmes in agriculture and livestock to help graduates tap into local opportunities.
The committee also called on the government to complete unfinished workshops and equip colleges with modern machinery that matches current technological demands.
“There is no need to continue training students with outdated equipment that is no longer relevant in the market,” she said.
Committee members noted that the growing number of VETA graduates could not all be absorbed into formal employment, making access to affordable loans essential for promoting self-employment.
They proposed linking graduates with local government authorities and financial institutions to ease access to credit.
“Once they are supported to become self-employed, even university graduates may be attracted to acquire practical skills through VETA,” said MP Christina Mnzava.
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Lawmakers further recommended the establishment of a comprehensive database to track graduates’ employment and business progress, and to support successful trainees to grow into entrepreneurs and contractors.
Responding, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda said the government was strengthening ties between training institutions and the private sector to ensure skills matched labour market needs.
He said Sector Skills Advisory Committees were guiding curriculum development, while tracer studies were being conducted to track graduates and improve training programmes.
VETA Director of Vocational Training, Dr Abdallah Ngodu said Bahi College is among 25 district colleges built by the government.
He noted that over 430,000 trainees had been enrolled between 2021 and 2026, alongside expanded entrepreneurship and skills enhancement programmes.
The government has allocated 42bn/- in the 2026/27 financial year to equip VETA colleges with modern training facilities, aiming to keep pace with technological changes and labour market demands.
