A total of 240 young people from Mtwara, Lindi, Songea and Kigoma districts are set to benefit from a new vocational training programme under the Dumisha Amani (Sustain Peace) initiative, as development partners step up efforts to link youth empowerment with peacebuilding and economic resilience in Tanzania.
The programme, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Tanzania) and China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP), was launched on June 29, 2026, at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Mtwara campus.
Speaking at the launch, VETA Senior Curriculum Development Officer Alphoncina James Mshana said the training will be conducted at VETA centres in the participating districts over a two-week period, focusing on practical, demand-driven skills.
She said the 240 beneficiaries will be trained in electrical installation, laboratory technology, cookery and decoration, with Mtwara District contributing 60 participants.
Mshana said the programme also integrates entrepreneurship and life skills to enable young people to create self-employment opportunities, particularly in sectors linked to the blue economy.
She noted that empowering youth with both technical skills and business knowledge is key to reducing socio-economic pressures that can contribute to instability.
From the development partners’ side, UNDP Tanzania Project Manager Lin Chen said the initiative goes beyond vocational training, aiming also to strengthen young people’s understanding of peacebuilding and conflict prevention at community level.
She said youth remain central to sustainable development, stressing that economic inclusion is closely tied to long-term stability.
CPP Executive Director Bai Zhengdshuai said young people are a key driver of innovation and economic growth, adding that the partnership with VETA, UNDP and UNPDF marks an important step in expanding practical training opportunities for Tanzanian youth.
