The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed that young people remain at the centre of national development plans under the National Development Vision 2050, which prioritises skills development, innovation, and youth participation in building an inclusive economy.
The commitment was underscored on April 29, 2026 in Dodoma by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Palamagamba Kabudi, when he opened the first national scientific youth conference focusing on HIV and AIDS, reproductive health, gender equality and other cross-cutting social issues.
The conference, organised by the Tanzania Commission for AIDS, TACAIDS, brought together young people, researchers, health experts and stakeholders to discuss how science and innovation can be used to address public health and social challenges affecting communities.
Prof. Kabudi said Vision 2050 is designed to build a strong and competitive nation powered by an educated, skilled and innovative workforce.
He stressed that the government recognises youth as the backbone of economic transformation due to their energy, creativity and ability to adapt to new technologies.
He noted that the success of Tanzania’s long-term development agenda depends on empowering young people with education, practical skills and opportunities in entrepreneurship, science and technology. He added that the focus is to ensure that youth are not only job seekers but also job creators contributing to national productivity.
According to him, the government is strengthening systems that support innovation and economic participation among young people while promoting values of discipline, responsibility and hard work as key pillars of development.
On social protection, Prof. Kabudi said the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has intensified efforts to address gender-based violence and mental health challenges, which continue to affect families and young people across the country.
He explained that the government has established special protection desks in schools, universities and community levels to ensure that victims receive timely support, counselling and access to justice. These interventions, he said, are part of wider reforms aimed at creating a safer environment for learning and development.
He added that strengthening social welfare systems is essential in building a healthy and productive generation capable of contributing effectively to national growth.
Earlier, speaking before the opening session, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr. James Kilabuko, said the conference provides a critical platform for young people to share knowledge, exchange ideas and build solutions to real-life challenges.
He said the gathering is expected to strengthen youth understanding on HIV and AIDS prevention, reproductive health, gender issues and other social concerns, while also promoting scientific thinking and innovation as tools for development.
Dr. Kilabuko said the discussions will help shape a generation that is more informed, responsible and capable of making sound decisions that improve both personal well-being and national progress.
The two-day conference is guided by the theme focusing on integrating science and innovation in addressing HIV and AIDS, reproductive health and gender challenges, while promoting youth well-being in line with Vision 2050.
The government has continued to stress that youth empowerment remains a strategic investment for Tanzania’s future, with expectations that their active participation will accelerate economic growth and strengthen social development across the country.
