KILIMANJARO: THE government has directed that youth participation in ongoing road construction projects must be prioritised to create employment opportunities and enhance skills development among young people.
The Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, instructed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to ensure that youth are given priority in road construction projects across the country, aiming to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Mr Ulega issued the directive yesterday while addressing residents of Ndungu Ward in Same District during the handover ceremony of the Ndungu-Mkomazi 36-kilometre road construction project to the contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
He also called upon local government leaders in the area to encourage the youth to seize the employment and training opportunities provided by the project.
In November last year, the government announced plans to draft a new local content policy aimed at unlocking the nation’s economic potential.
The proposed policy seeks to empower Tanzanians by increasing local participation across various sectors of the economy.
By prioritising local goods, services and labour, the government aims to create employment, stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
During a meeting of the National Business Council (TNBC) Business Environment Committee in Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Dr Jim Yonazi, underscored the importance of drafting a comprehensive national policy to promote inclusivity across public and private sectors.
Dr Yonazi highlighted that the policy’s goal is to empower Tanzanians to actively contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development.
“The objectives of this policy include increasing the participation of Tanzanians and Tanzanian institutions in various economic activities, as recommended by stakeholders,” he said.
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As Chair of the TNBC task force overseeing the policy’s development, Dr Yonazi said the government aims to streamline systems and regulations to foster a more competitive business environment for Tanzanians in both domestic and international markets.
Additionally, the policy will support the digitalisation of government services through the Government Online Authority (e-GA), enhancing efficiency and accessibility for citizens and businesses alike.
“Tanzania is taking significant steps towards creating a better business environment with the introduction of this national policy,” he added.
The recommendations discussed during the TNBC meeting were part of the implementation of directives issued earlier last year by TNBC Chairperson, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, during a meeting held at State House in Dar es Salaam.
These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment, and improving Tanzania’s competitiveness on both regional and global platforms.
