The government has opened a new chapter for youth participation in industrial development after announcing five major opportunities intended to position young Tanzanians at the centre of national investment growth.
The announcement was made yesterday in Dar es Salaam by the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, who described the move as a turning point for the country’s industrial future.
Prof. Mkumbo said the initiative forms part of a broader national agenda to create eight million jobs and attract 50 billion US dollars in new investments by 2030, noting that the youth population is critical to achieving these goals.
He stressed that empowering young people to become factory owners and large-scale entrepreneurs is no longer an option but a national responsibility.
“This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to create eight million jobs and attract 50 billion dollars in investment by 2030,” he said, insisting that a stronger youth-led industrial base is essential for Tanzania’s long-term economic vision.
He explained that one of the flagship interventions is the establishment of the Youth Investors Resource Centre, expected before the end of the year, which will provide advisory services, training, and tailored support for young investors.
The minister added that a comprehensive industrial programme will also be rolled out to assist college and university graduates in setting up factories.
The programme will connect youth with training, machinery, raw materials, and financing through partner banks such as Azania Bank, TCB, and CRDB.
Land allocation has also been prioritised as part of the new plan, with the government setting aside large parcels across several regions to support youth-led industrial projects.
Areas identified include Nala in Dodoma, Kwala in Coast Region, Bunda in Mara, Songea in Ruvuma and a site in Bagamoyo.
Prof. Mkumbo said this is meant to remove structural barriers that have long kept many young people from participating in manufacturing.
“Access to land is often the biggest challenge for young entrepreneurs. We are addressing that challenge head-on,” he remarked.
To reduce the start-up burden even further, the government through TISEZA working jointly with private partners will construct industrial sheds that will be rented out at affordable rates.
These facilities are expected to enable youth to begin production without carrying the heavy costs of constructing factory buildings.
The minister said the intention is to create a supportive ecosystem that allows young innovators to focus on productivity and competitiveness.
Prof. Mkumbo also announced that by 2028, TISEZA’s investment services will be available in every region, fulfilling President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to decentralise investment support.
He said expanding access will ensure that youth in rural and urban areas alike can obtain the information and assistance needed to participate in industrial growth.
He emphasized that this is a practical step toward ensuring that investment opportunities reach every corner of the country.
Beyond the new opportunities, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the business environment, finalising the implementation framework for Tanzania Vision 2050 and advancing reforms across public institutions.
He said these reforms are essential for ensuring that youth-focused industrialisation becomes a central driver of the country’s economic transformation.