Youth in Songwe Region have welcomed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to establish a dedicated Ministry for Youth Development, describing it as a major step toward creating economic opportunities and addressing unemployment among young Tanzanians.
During his visit to Songwe today (26 November 2025), Minister of State in the President’s Office for Youth Development, Joel Nanauka, met with young entrepreneurs at Mkwajuni Market, motorcycle taxi operators, and small-scale miners in Saza village.
The youth expressed optimism that the new ministry would actively listen to their concerns and provide practical support.
Hamisi Jairi, chairman of motorcycle taxi operators in Mkwajuni, said the government’s engagement should mark the start of sustained action, not a one-time visit.
He highlighted the need for access to driving schools, licenses, health insurance, and support in forming cooperative groups to strengthen economic opportunities for youth.
Entrepreneurs like Zacharia Matogoro, a University of Dodoma graduate, said lack of capital remains the biggest hurdle to growing their businesses.
“With a loan of three to four million shillings, I could expand my shop and repay the loan with confidence,” he explained, underscoring how financial support could transform small businesses and livelihoods.
Small-scale miners in Saza, represented by Shadrack Mwakyalyabwe, also called on the government to provide access to capital for youth-led ventures, a move they said would create jobs, boost the local economy, and reduce unemployment challenges.
Minister Nanauka assured the youth that President Samia envisions them playing a central role in nation-building.
He said the creation of a dedicated youth ministry reflects the President’s commitment to ensuring young people are fully engaged in productive economic activities.
During his visit, Nanauka outlined a guiding philosophy for his leadership in the Youth Ministry under the slogan “Vijana Tuyajenge, Tanzania ni Yetu” – “Let’s Build, Youth; Tanzania is Ours.”
He emphasized that the nation’s future rests in the hands of its young people and that collaboration with the government is crucial to finding solutions to pressing challenges.
To strengthen youth engagement, the ministry plans to launch the Vijana App, a digital platform that will connect young people nationwide, enabling them to share ideas, report challenges, and receive timely responses from the government.
Nanauka encouraged youth to use this platform to actively participate in national development and to work together to improve their communities.
Nanauka’s visit to Songwe concludes a tour that included Momba, Mbozi, and Songwe districts, with Mbeya scheduled as the next stop.
His engagements highlight a renewed government focus on empowering youth, ensuring they have access to capital, opportunities, and support to shape their future while contributing meaningfully to Tanzania’s development.