The government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a supportive environment that will enable Tanzanian youth to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, as part of wider efforts to tackle unemployment and accelerate economic growth.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Mzumbe Day celebrations and Entrepreneurship Camp at Mzumbe University, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Aristides Mbwasi, said the government will continue working closely with universities and development stakeholders to nurture youth talent and entrepreneurship.
Mbwasi, who represented Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga, said young people are playing an increasingly important role in driving the country’s economy through innovation, technology and business development.
He noted that Tanzania’s industrialization agenda depends heavily on empowering youth with skills, opportunities and access to supportive business systems.
“At a time of growing global economic and technological competition, young people must be given more opportunities to establish businesses, small industries and innovative projects capable of creating jobs and generating income,” he said.
Mbwasi added that the government is implementing strategies aimed at strengthening the industrial and trade sectors while ensuring young innovators benefit from education, entrepreneurship training and market opportunities.
He also called on institutions under the ministry, including the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), to continue supporting young entrepreneurs by helping them formalize businesses and improve their innovations.
According to Mbwasi, stronger cooperation between government institutions and universities will help young innovators compete effectively in both local and international markets while increasing their contribution to the national economy.
“We want to see more young people transforming innovative ideas into formal businesses capable of employing others and contributing to national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Acting Vice Chancellor William Mwegoha, Prof. Allen Mushi said the university has continued building an environment that enables students to convert academic knowledge into practical business and innovation projects.
He revealed that through its Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Industrial Relations Unit, the university has supported the establishment of more than 100 companies operating in different parts of Tanzania.
Prof. Mushi said the initiative has helped address youth unemployment by enabling graduates to create self-employment opportunities and jobs for others.
“We are proud to see our students using the education they receive to establish projects that benefit society. This demonstrates that higher education can play a major role in economic transformation and in building a generation of innovative and self-reliant youth,” he said.
He added that the university continues to work with private sector players, financial institutions and development partners to equip young people with entrepreneurship and innovation skills needed in today’s competitive market.
The Mzumbe Day celebrations and Entrepreneurship Camp brought together students, government institutions, education stakeholders, private sector representatives and innovators to discuss how innovation and entrepreneurship can be used to drive Tanzania’s economic development.
