The government has continued to strengthen efforts to equip Tanzanians with practical skills required in the labour market, with a total of 168,657 citizens already benefiting from the National Skills Development Programme.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Rahma Kisuo, revealed this in Parliament while responding to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament Latifa Juwakali, who sought to know the government’s strategy for nurturing talents and improving skills among Tanzanian youth.
Ms Kisuo said the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the national workforce so that Tanzanians can compete effectively in the labour market, either through employment or self-employment.
She explained that the National Skills Development Programme focuses on equipping citizens with skills that match the needs of employers and the evolving demands of the economy.
According to the deputy minister, the programme is implemented through four main components designed to strengthen skills development across different groups in the workforce.
The first component focuses on apprenticeship training, which allows individuals to acquire practical technical skills through hands-on learning in real working environments.
The second component targets employees who are already working by providing opportunities to upgrade their professional skills and improve productivity in their workplaces.
Another component involves work experience training for graduates aimed at helping young professionals bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real workplace requirements.
Ms Kisuo said the programme also provides training to recognise and formalise skills that individuals have acquired outside the formal education system.
Through this initiative, people who gained their skills informally—such as through hands-on work experience or community-based learning—can have their competencies assessed and officially certified.
The certification helps them gain better access to employment opportunities and strengthens their ability to participate in income-generating activities.
The government views skills development as a key pillar in addressing unemployment challenges and empowering young people who form a large share of Tanzania’s population.
By expanding access to training opportunities and strengthening workforce skills, the programme is expected to play an important role in boosting productivity, entrepreneurship and national economic growth.
