Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa today, April 22, 2025, officially opened the 15th National Working Session for Culture Officers and Sports Development Officers, representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The session, held in Dodoma, brings together officers from across Tanzania to evaluate the progress and challenges in the Culture, Arts, and Sports sectors.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the critical role these sectors play in Tanzania's socio-economic transformation.
"Culture, arts, and sports are not just platforms for entertainment. They are powerful tools for preserving our identity, uniting communities, and creating jobs for our youth," he said.
The session, structured as both a workshop and a strategic planning forum, aims to equip officers with new tools and approaches for advancing their work.
Participants are expected to share experiences, assess ongoing initiatives, and design actionable plans aligned with national development goals.
"This forum is an opportunity for us to reflect, evaluate, and redesign our strategies so that our cultural and sports programs contribute effectively to the nation’s Vision 2025," said Ms. Sauda Mwilima, Director of Arts and Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports.
One of the key themes of the session is identifying untapped opportunities within the creative economy and sports development.
Prime Minister Majaliwa encouraged participants to leverage Tanzania's cultural richness and talent pool to position the country competitively on the global stage.
"With the right investment and commitment, our artists and athletes can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world," he added.
Despite the sectors’ potential, challenges such as limited funding, poor infrastructure, and insufficient talent development frameworks persist.
The Prime Minister called for innovation and stronger public-private partnerships to overcome these barriers.
"We must be innovative. Let us find ways to do more with the resources we have and work together across sectors," he urged.
The session also features expert-led discussions on policy development, youth empowerment, and digital transformation in the cultural and sports industries. Officers will leave with a renewed focus and practical tools to implement in their respective regions.
"This gathering reminds us that the future of our culture and sports lies in our hands. It is up to us to create systems that nurture talent, promote heritage, and drive sustainable development," said Mr. Hamis Nyundo, a Sports Development Officer from Mwanza.
The outcomes of this session are expected to feed into national policy and programming, strengthening the foundation for a more vibrant, inclusive, and economically impactful cultural and sports sector in Tanzania.
