Youth forums held across Tanzania have significantly contributed to the effective implementation of the National Youth Policy, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Mary Maganga, has said.
The policy aims to build a generation of skilled, innovative, and technologically adept young people.
Maganga made the remarks over the weekend while officially opening the National Youth Forum in Mbeya, held under the theme “Youth Workforce for Sustainable Development.”
She said such forums and dialogues provide a platform for the government and stakeholders to review and implement the 2007 National Youth Development Policy, updated in 2024, ensuring it addresses the evolving economic, technological, political, and social challenges facing young people.
“Through forums like these, the government gathers ideas, opinions, and contributions from young people and various stakeholders. Your input guides the preparation of policies, regulations, and guidelines that promote youth welfare,” Maganga noted.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that these gatherings offer young people opportunities to network, exchange experiences, develop skills, and nurture innovations, whether individually or in groups.
Mbeya Regional Administrative Secretary, Rodrick Mpogolo, said over 3,000 young people attended the forum, gaining training and learning techniques to enhance their knowledge while connecting with economic opportunities.
He urged the youth to be patriotic, proud of their country, and avoid any acts that could disrupt peace, stressing that Tanzania relies on them as a key driver of national development.
Janeth Mwinuka, a participant, described the forum as enlightening and empowering.
“This forum has opened our minds, connected us with stakeholders, and given us new ideas. We have also learned financial discipline and how to access loans through youth groups,” she said.
This forum highlights the government’s commitment to equipping young Tanzanians with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive sustainable development and innovation across the country.