A total of 3,004 young people across Tanzania have applied for government capital support aimed at strengthening youth participation in livestock and fisheries value chains, as part of efforts to expand opportunities in the blue economy.
The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Balozi Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, announced the development on May 26, 2026 in Parliament in Dodoma while responding to a question from Bunda Urban MP Ester Amos Bulaya (CCM), who sought clarification on when young people in Bunda would benefit from the fish cage farming initiative.
Dr. Bashiru said the government, through collaboration between the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Office of the President responsible for Youth Development, the Prime Minister’s Office – PMO-RALG, and the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), launched a financing programme worth TZS 23.68 billion on March 4, 2026.
He said the programme is designed to empower young people engaged in livestock keeping and fisheries by providing access to affordable capital to boost production, create jobs, and improve incomes.
According to him, the response from youth has been strong, with 3,004 applications received from different parts of the country, including applicants from Bunda.
He noted that the ministry is currently reviewing the applications to identify those who meet the required criteria before final approval and disbursement of funds.
Dr. Bashiru further told Parliament that in the 2025/2026 financial year, the government had already begun implementing the first phase of the fish cage farming initiative.
A total of 95 fish cages were distributed in Mara Region, including 20 cages allocated to Bunda District, as part of efforts to promote aquaculture development at local level.
He also directed Bunda Town Council to ensure effective use of the 10 percent youth development fund by channeling part of it into fish cage farming activities.
He said this will help expand youth participation in aquaculture, increase productivity, and strengthen the contribution of the blue economy to local and national economic growth.
