By Our Correspondent
Young people have been identified as critical stakeholders in environmental conservation and the emerging carbon economy, with calls for greater investment in skills development, employment opportunities and meaningful participation in climate action initiatives.
Speaking during a youth conference in Dar es Salaam, the Deputy Executive Director of the Africa Carbon Association (ACA), Kaley Milao, said climate change should not only be viewed as a challenge but also as an opportunity to create jobs, stimulate innovation and promote sustainable development among young people in Tanzania and across Africa.
He noted that the transition towards a green economy presents significant opportunities for youth, particularly in sectors linked to carbon trading, environmental conservation and climate resilience.
According to Milao, ACA has been actively promoting youth engagement in environmental issues through a range of programmes and forums designed to build awareness and equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the growing carbon market.
He cited the Green Youth Summit 2025 as one of the organisation’s success stories, revealing that five students from the University of Dar es Salaam secured short-term employment opportunities through the initiative, while one female student obtained permanent employment.
“These opportunities demonstrate the potential of environmental and climate-related programmes to contribute to youth empowerment and economic inclusion,” he said.
ACA has also expanded outreach efforts targeting children and young people through programmes that combine sports, education and innovation to promote environmental awareness and encourage responsible stewardship of natural resources from an early age.
Milao urged public institutions and environmental agencies to create more pathways for youth participation through internships, practical training and employment opportunities.
He specifically highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with organisations such as the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
He said Tanzania’s youth possess the creativity, talent and energy needed to drive sustainable development but require greater support and trust from both public and private institutions.
The ACA official also commended the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising environmental protection and climate change issues at both national and international levels.
Participants at the conference described the event as an important platform for strengthening partnerships between government institutions, educational organisations, development partners and the private sector.
Such collaboration, they said, is essential to ensuring that environmental conservation efforts generate tangible economic opportunities while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
As Tanzania expands its participation in global climate and carbon markets, experts argue that empowering young people will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of the country’s green economy and achieving long-term sustainable development goals.
