The Executive Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC), CPA Beng’i Issa, has urged Tanzanian youth to save and avoid spending beyond their means, emphasizing that disciplined financial habits are key to achieving personal and economic goals.
Ms. Issa made the remarks over the weekend in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Chase Your Dreams initiative, a programme designed to support young Tanzanians striving to achieve their dreams in business, education, and entrepreneurship.
“Earn 10,000 shillings, spend 5,000. Avoid borrowing for consumption. Loans should be for business growth or investment,” Ms. Issa advised.
She said the launch of Chase Your Dreams brings new momentum for youth development, expressing confidence that within five years, a large number of young people will benefit from the initiative.
“The progress of our nation depends on young people. Our office will prioritize youth empowerment, and the government is ready to collaborate with institutions like this to ensure youth achieve their goals and contribute to national development,” she said.
Ms. Issa emphasized that success does not come by chance but through planning, hard work, and disciplined action. “If you have a dream, you must have a plan to achieve it. Dreams are not built with words but with action, discipline, and focus,” he said.
She also encouraged young people to stay active and avoid idleness, highlighting government programs aimed at supporting youth, including the recently proposed Ministry of Youth, public procurement opportunities for small groups, youth loans, and participation in major national projects.
Lightness Makondo, Director of Chase Your Dreams, said the initiative was established to address challenges that hinder youth from achieving their dreams due to lack of proper education, resources, and professional guidance.
“Every young person has a dream that can bring significant change to society. Dreams that are not pursued remain vision without direction,” Makondo said, noting that the foundation started in March 2024 with five key programs including an After School Giving Program, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy through Light Vikoba, community giving initiatives, and youth capacity-building workshops.
Makondo added that so far, the initiative has reached 1,200 young people, equipping them with skills in education, entrepreneurship, and financial management.
She described Chase as a “new light” for Tanzanian youth, encouraging them to take action, plan effectively, and use available opportunities to build stronger personal and national futures.
Other speakers at the event echoed similar messages.
Joanitha Jeremiah of Visionary Youth Organization urged youth to use social media productively for learning, business, and networking, rather than wasting time on conflicts or showing off.
Lawyer Fredric Usiku stressed the importance of courage and decision-making, saying, “Fear leads to great loss. If you fail to make decisions, you will fail to reach your goals.”
Fashion designer Feith Debora commended Chase Your Dreams for providing long-awaited support to Tanzanian youth, noting that many young people have lacked peer mentorship and guidance.
