By The Respondents Reporter
Young people in Mtwara have called on the government to strengthen an enabling environment that allows them to benefit from economic opportunities, create jobs, and safeguard the peace they have long upheld. Their appeal comes as Tanzania implements its first-ever Ministry of Youth.
During a series of meetings with youth on 29 November 2025, the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development and Mtwara Urban MP, Joel Nanauka, said the government is shifting its focus toward expanding opportunities for young people rather than imposing unnecessary controls.
Nanauka said the establishment of the new ministry is central to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of elevating youth voices and ensuring their ideas shape national solutions.
“Our priority is to secure development opportunities for young people,” he told the youth. “This ministry exists to listen to your ideas and address the challenges you face.”
To boost access to capital, the minister announced plans to form a special youth fund, channelled through a Saccos targeting motorcycle riders and women entrepreneurs.
He pledged to contribute to the fund to ensure it can issue loans to help young people establish and sustain income-generating activities.
Nanauka urged the youth to preserve peace and assured them that he remains committed to serving all residents equally.
He encouraged innovative young people to share their business proposals with his office so they can be supported to turn their ideas into viable enterprises.
Youth echoed similar sentiments across different stops of the minister’s tour.Hamza Kalinga, speaking at Chilindima, said young people in Mtwara have no interest in protests. “We do not want demonstrations,” he said.
“Even after the last general election, we did not engage in any unrest. What we need is capital to start businesses.”he added
At Mkanaledi Bus Terminal, Hussein Said said young people see no reason to be drawn into conflict. Instead, he stressed the need for collaboration with the government to unlock opportunities and address constraints such as limited start-up capital.
Tabu Mashaka expressed gratitude to the government for establishing the Ministry of Youth and commended the minister for engaging young people directly.
“We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for giving us this ministry,” she said. “Please continue visiting the regions. We now have a voice, and we want youth issues to be given priority.”
However, some concerns were also raised. Anjira Mussa from Chilindima highlighted challenges faced by motorcycle riders, including mistreatment by some police officers, and called for improved relations between the police and the public.
Minister Nanauka is in Mtwara for a working tour focused on meeting youth and gathering their views on the Tanzania they want.
On Thursday, he visited Mdenga, Muungano–Chilindima, Mkanaledi Bus Terminal and Mikindani, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedmon Mapama and regional leaders.