By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam, July 11 — Tanzania’s National Service (JKT) has been urged to expand production of locally manufactured goods and strengthen youth entrepreneurship programmes as demand for its products continues to grow across the country.
Speaking during a visit to the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), JKT Chief of Administration Brigadier General Hassan Rashid Mabena praised the quality of products and services being exhibited by the National Service and its commercial arm, SUMA JKT.
Mabena said this year's trade fair had recorded significant growth in participation, reflecting increasing interest from both local and international exhibitors.
According to figures provided by trade fair organisers, the event has attracted 3,892 local exhibitors and 452 international participants from more than 25 countries.
"The exhibition continues to grow year after year. The increasing number of participants demonstrates its importance as a platform for business, investment and industrial development," Mabena said.
He congratulated JKT and SUMA JKT for their performance at the exhibition, noting that the institution had received recognition in the category of public institutions.
During the visit, Mabena toured displays featuring construction services, manufacturing activities and a range of locally produced goods including furniture, uniforms, footwear and security services offered by SUMA JKT.
"The products displayed here are of very high quality. What visitors are seeing at the exhibition reflects the standards being achieved in our factories and service operations," he said.
He also highlighted agricultural and livestock products produced by JKT units, describing them as evidence of the organisation's contribution to national production and economic development.
Mabena said JKT's role extends beyond national service training, with the institution also equipping young Tanzanians with entrepreneurship and vocational skills that can be applied within their communities after completing training.
"Young people receive training not only in patriotism, discipline and national values, but also in entrepreneurship and practical production skills," he said.
He noted that because JKT recruits young people from all regions of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the skills acquired through the programme are transferred across the country, helping to promote self-employment and economic participation.
Mabena urged SUMA JKT and National Service units to maintain momentum by increasing production volumes while preserving quality standards.
"Tanzanians appreciate these products and continue to ask for them. Production should increase so that more citizens can access high-quality goods made by Tanzanians," he said.
He added that expanding local production and skills development would contribute to Tanzania's broader economic ambitions under Vision 2050, which seeks to accelerate industrialisation, job creation and long-term economic growth.
