Tanzania’s economy has recorded steady growth over the past four years under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, but experts warn that the country now faces a critical challenge: ensuring young graduates have the practical skills needed to fully benefit from this economic progress.
Prof. Mussa Juma Assad, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM) and former Controller and Auditor General, said the economy has grown at an average rate of six percent, with inflation at manageable levels.
This growth has enabled Tanzanians to access essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare.
“Tanzania’s GDP trends are stable, and our economic performance is currently stronger than neighboring Kenya and Rwanda,” Prof. Assad said during a professional forum on implementing inclusive economic growth toward Vision 2050, organized by MUM in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC).
He warned, however, that many university graduates lack hands-on skills needed in the labor market.
“The challenge is not unemployment alone; it is the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. Graduates need opportunities for real-world training to participate effectively in our growing economy,” he said.
Prof. Assad called on both the government and private sector to provide short courses and practical training programs, emphasizing that investing in youth skills is key to sustaining Tanzania’s economic progress.
His remarks underscore the need to align economic growth with human capital development, ensuring the next generation is ready to drive the country toward its Vision 2050 goals.