TEC prefers social market economy to address unemployment

THE Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has underscored the need for adoption of the social market economy to address unemployment among graduates, as well as skills and economic gaps.

Social market economy is a system based on a free market, operated in conjunction with state provision for those unable to work, such as elderly or unemployed people.

TEC Secretary General, Fr Charles Kitima told the media on Saturday that TEC currently implements a programme with universities which, among others, intends to empower them with skills and knowledge for inclusive economic growth.

He said it is now high time for the graduates to focus on innovations and technologies that would address challenges in the societies and tap the opportunities available under the free market economy.

“Every person has a talent; they must use them to come up with projects to meet their daily needs thus foster economic development and improve welfare,” said Fr Kitima.

He advocated for social market economy as it offers a wide room for changes that address unemployment, advocates for value addition and formalise projects.

“No one will be left behind as we will be moving forward together, but this calls for the change of mindset, hard work, innovation and a clear system for accessing loans and use them properly,” he insisted.

On his part, Director of Management and Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Dr Donath Olomi, said the unemployment challenge needs mindset change so that graduates and youths could engage in activities available in their respective areas instead of relying on formal jobs.

He said graduates need to be well prepared to have the needed skills and knowledge for the job market.