Tanzanian youth have been urged to make full use of the opportunities created by the government’s establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development, with calls for young people to position themselves to benefit socially and economically from the new institution.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Ilala resident Emmanuel Ephraim Chinongolo welcomed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to form the ministry and appoint Joel Nanauka as its inaugural minister.
He said the development reflects the Sixth-Phase Government’s commitment to elevating youth issues and delivering tangible results.
Mr Chinongolo said the ministry should be seen as a strategic platform that young people can use to address persistent challenges, including unemployment, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate representation in decision-making spaces.
“We as young people must recognise this as a major opportunity and embrace self-awareness,” he said.
“Understanding our value as youth will guide us in knowing when and how to stand for our country, to advocate for peace and justice in ways that do not undermine our national stability.”he
He added that peace and unity remain essential foundations for young people to pursue their ambitions. Mr Chinongolo called on communities to refrain from actions that could fuel unrest and warned youth against being used for political motives that threaten national cohesion.
Mr Nanauka, who steps into the new role as minister, is expected to oversee policy reforms and programmes aimed at boosting youth skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and civic engagement.
Mr Chinongolo expressed confidence that the ministry will speed up efforts to address youth concerns, noting that millions of young Tanzanians have long needed a dedicated platform to amplify their voices.