The Government has set aside TZS 4.3 billion to strengthen apprenticeship training programs aimed at empowering youth and persons with special needs, as part of broader efforts to address unemployment and build a skilled workforce.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Deus Sangu, made the announcement on March 3, 2026 in Dodoma during the launch of the Eighth Cohort of the Apprenticeship Training Programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, held under the theme “A Skilled Workforce for Sustainable Employment.”
Speaking at the event, Sangu urged institutions implementing the programme to ensure equal access to training opportunities for all young people, including those with special needs, so they can become independent and productive members of society.
He stressed that training institutions must align their programmes with current labour market demands so that graduates acquire practical and modern skills that enable them to compete both locally and internationally.
Sangu also encouraged training providers to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into their learning systems to prepare trainees for a rapidly changing global labour market.
“Let us ensure that young people leave training institutions with real skills and the confidence to create opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.
The Deputy Minister commended the government of Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising youth employment through sustained investments in skills development programmes.
He said the government plans to further increase funding so that more young Tanzanians can benefit from apprenticeship training.
According to Sangu, unemployment among youth is often linked to limited skills and practical training. Strengthening apprenticeship programmes therefore remains a key strategy in preparing young people for productive employment in line with the country’s long-term development goals.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Zuhura Yunus, said the launch of the new cohort is intended to promote skills development, expand youth participation in apprenticeship programmes and strengthen collaboration between the government, the private sector and development partners.
She explained that the National Skills Development Programme was introduced in the 2016/2017 financial year with the aim of improving workforce productivity in the production of goods and delivery of services.
“As of February this year, a total of 168,657 beneficiaries have received training under the programme,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Senyamule said the Dodoma regional administration remains committed to implementing government initiatives aimed at empowering youth economically.
She highlighted that the region continues to allocate 10 percent of local government revenues to youth development initiatives and urged young people to take advantage of the various employment and entrepreneurship opportunities available.
Senyamule also acknowledged infrastructure challenges affecting some training institutions, particularly road access. She said the regional administration will work with the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency to include road improvements in the upcoming July budget to ensure safe and reliable access.
Representing employers, Joseph Kimweri expressed confidence in the competence of trainees but urged them to maintain professional ethics and continuous learning.
He noted that sectors such as hospitality are evolving rapidly and require professionals who combine technical competence with strong ethical standards and customer care.
The Head of Don Bosco Institute of Dodoma, Justine Mulega, said the institution has been providing technical and vocational training since its establishment in 1982.
He said the institute currently hosts 235 apprentices, including 74 female and 161 male trainees, and offers training programmes from Level One to Level Six.
Mulega appealed to the government to continue supporting training institutions with modern tools and equipment to strengthen practical learning and improve graduates’ ability to create self-employment opportunities.
He also highlighted challenges related to poor road access to the institution, especially during the rainy season, which affects both students and instructors.
The launch of the eighth apprenticeship cohort reflects the government’s continued commitment to investing in skills development, inclusive training opportunities and sustainable employment, key pillars in Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation.