‘Youth innovation boosts competitiveness’
DAR ES SALAAM: INVESTING in youth innovation is a critical step towards building a competitive economy driven by knowledge, technology and value-added products, the Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Dr Latifa Khamis, has said.
Dr Khamis made the remarks during a special exhibition for University student entrepreneurs held at the Sabasaba grounds in Dar es Salaam recently.
The event brought together young innovators from different higher learning institutions to showcase their products, services and business ideas with commercial potential.
“The government recognises innovation and entrepreneurship as important pillars for economic transformation and sustainable growth, particularly as Tanzania seeks to strengthen industrialisation, job creation and export competitiveness. “Young innovators must be provided with an enabling environment that allows them to transform their ideas into viable businesses capable of creating jobs, generating income and contributing to national development,” Dr Khamis said.
The exhibition provided university students with a platform to showcase their innovations, connect with investors and stakeholders, and gain market exposure. Dr Khamis said such initiatives help bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application while exposing students to market needs.
“Through such platforms, we connect young entrepreneurs with investors and partners who can help turn innovations into sustainable businesses,” she said.
She added that TanTrade will continue working with universities to provide young entrepreneurs with training, market information and access to local and international trade fairs. She noted that strengthening links between academia, industry and markets would be instrumental in enabling innovative ideas to mature into commercially viable ventures capable of competing regionally and globally.
ALSO READ: Recovering drug addicts to receive life skills training
Participating institutions include UDSM, Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Ardhi University (ARU), Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Institute of Social Work (ISW) and Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) Arusha. UDSM student entrepreneur Ms Emaculata Mkuba said the exhibition enabled young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and receive valuable feedback from consumers and industry stakeholders.
“The feedback will help us improve product quality and strengthen our competitiveness in the market,” said UDSM student Kelvin Nyerere.
IAA Dar es Salaam Campus student, Ms Salome Gwabi, said participating in business exhibitions while studying gives students practical entrepreneurial skills and market exposure, preparing them for self-employment and the labour market.
With Tanzania’s youthful population continuing to grow, nurturing innovation ecosystems within universities is seen as a strategic investment in the country’s future productivity and competitiveness. TanTrade also urged university students to participate in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF 2026), saying the event offers opportunities to promote products, attract customers and build business partnerships.
“The international trade fair offers young entrepreneurs a wider market reach and exposure to both local and foreign investors. It is an important avenue for showcasing Tanzania’s innovation potential to the world,” she said.
As Tanzania advances its industrialisation agenda, initiatives that nurture youth entrepreneurship are increasingly viewed as essential drivers of economic growth.
