The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for young Tanzanians in education, employment, technology, and entrepreneurship, aiming to boost their contribution to national development.
Speaking in Mwanza during the 39th Second Round Graduation Ceremony of the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) at the Lake Zone Training Centre in Kitumba–Kisesa, Deputy Minister for Finance, Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde (MP), representing Finance Minister Amb. Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), emphasized the critical role of youth in driving economic growth.
“Youth are a key driver of our economy. The Government continues to empower young people and women through loans, training, investment initiatives, and development projects, including the allocation of 10 percent of council loans to youth,” Eng. Munde said.
He noted that special investment windows have been established for young entrepreneurs, and the higher education loan budget has been increased to TZS 916.7 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the revival of the Cultural Fund, which has supported over 300 youth-led arts projects, and programmes that promote youth participation in modern agriculture under Building Better Tomorrow (BBT).
He further stressed opportunities under the Public Procurement Act, which directs public institutions to reserve 30 percent of procurement for special groups, including youth.
“It is vital that young people seize the opportunities provided under the Public Procurement Act. This allocation will enhance youth participation in the economy, promote entrepreneurship, and help reduce unemployment,” he said.
Eng. Munde urged graduates to continue learning, join professional networks, uphold ethics, and embrace patriotism as they contribute to a stronger, progressive Tanzania.
“Graduation marks the start of a new journey. You are now ready to apply the knowledge gained at the Institute—blending theory with practice—to tackle social and economic challenges, particularly in rural areas,” he said.
He praised IRDP’s leadership for the Institute’s achievements and pledged continued Government support to improve infrastructure and human resources.
“The Government aims to make this Institute a national hub for strategic development thinking. I encourage IRDP to use the Mwanza Training Centre experience to establish more centres in the Coast and Southern Highlands zones to expand access to quality academic services,” Eng. Munde said.
He also lauded the establishment of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, which offers young people opportunities to launch businesses and develop solutions to societal challenges, reinforcing innovation and entrepreneurship as engines of modern economic growth.
IRDP Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Joseph Kuzilwa, noted that through the Lake Zone Training Centre, the Institute has positively impacted rural communities via development projects implemented in collaboration with national and international partners.
He added that on August 29, 2025, the Institute launched the Mipango Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (MEI).
“The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, together with the Centre of Excellence, will equip students to make meaningful contributions to their personal development, their communities, and the nation,” Prof. Kuzilwa said.
IRDP Rector, Prof. Hozen Mayaya, said the Institute is committed to producing competent, ethical, and patriotic professionals in development planning.
The Institute has also established an Internationalization Desk to foster global partnerships and exchange programmes.
To further strengthen international collaboration, IRDP has signed several Memoranda of Understanding, including with the University of Eswatini and the Mananga Centre for Regional Integration and Management Development.
“In line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision for Tanzanian higher learning institutions to operate at international standards, these global partnerships are key to enhancing academic programmes, research, and development projects,” Prof. Mayaya said.
During the ceremony, a total of 2,621 graduates—1,117 men and 1,504 women—were awarded certificates, degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in community development, rural and regional development planning, economics, project planning and management, and project monitoring and evaluation.