The government has described school sports and arts competitions as a vital investment in Tanzania’s future workforce, saying they play a central role in producing healthy, disciplined and competitive young people capable of contributing to national development.
Opening the 2026 national UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA games in Iringa on June 9, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, said the annual competitions form part of a broader national strategy aimed at developing well-rounded youth equipped with leadership skills, confidence and patriotism.
Representing Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba at the event, Prof. Shemdoe said the competitions have evolved beyond talent identification, becoming an important platform for shaping future leaders and creating opportunities for young Tanzanians to excel on both local and international stages.
“Through sports and arts, we are nurturing future leaders, ambassadors of our nation and a productive workforce that will drive Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation,” he said.
He called on regional and local government leaders to take greater responsibility for sports and arts development, arguing that nurturing talent should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the education or sports sectors.
To strengthen grassroots talent development, Prof. Shemdoe directed all local authorities to establish specialised schools dedicated to sports and arts, supported by modern infrastructure and qualified professionals capable of identifying and developing promising talent from an early age.
He further instructed councils to incorporate sports facilities into urban planning frameworks and ensure that land reserved for public services, including schools, health centres, recreational parks and exercise grounds, is protected from encroachment.
According to the minister, the long-term value of UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA lies not in medals and trophies but in their contribution to character-building and human capital development.
“These competitions are a training ground for responsible, confident and patriotic citizens. They help build resilience, teamwork and leadership qualities that young people will carry into their future careers and lives,” he said.
The government, he added, will continue investing in education, sports and culture while working closely with development partners and other stakeholders to ensure talented children across the country have equal opportunities to develop their abilities.
Prof. Shemdoe also conveyed greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi and Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, noting that the country’s leadership recognises the strategic role of sports and arts in youth empowerment and job creation.
He said ongoing investments in sports and arts infrastructure are helping create pathways for employment and entrepreneurship while expanding opportunities for talented young Tanzanians.
Speaking at the same event, PMO-RALG Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Education, Mr Atupele Mwambene, said the competitions remain one of the government’s most important tools for identifying and nurturing talent among students.
He stressed that sports and arts should be regarded as integral components of education rather than extracurricular activities, arguing that they contribute significantly to a learner’s academic, social and personal development.
“Sports and arts are not merely forms of entertainment. They are part of the learning process and equip students with practical skills, creativity and discipline that can support self-employment and future economic participation,” he said.
This year’s UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA competitions are being held under the theme: ‘Sports and Arts in Schools: A Bridge to Employment, Health and Global Competitiveness.’
The national event has brought together thousands of students from across Tanzania to compete in various sporting disciplines and artistic performances, providing a platform to showcase talent while promoting unity, health and excellence among the country’s youth.
