Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has urged African governments and development partners to prioritise investment in young people and resilient health systems, saying the two are indispensable to the continent's long-term prosperity and sustainable development.
Speaking on Thursday as he closed the three-day Mkapa Legacy Summit 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Dr Nchimbi said Africa's demographic advantage would only translate into economic growth if young people were equipped with quality education, skills and access to healthcare.
"Africa must continue investing in its youth and strengthening health systems to build healthier societies and secure sustainable development that benefits both current and future generations," he said.
The summit, held under the theme From Legacy to Future: Leadership, Health Systems and Youth-led Human Capital for Africa, brought together policymakers, health experts, development partners and youth leaders to examine strategies for building stronger health systems and developing the next generation of African leadership.
Dr Nchimbi described the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation as a key government partner in addressing health challenges through strengthening healthcare services, developing the health workforce and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
"The Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation has remained an important partner in strengthening healthcare services, developing human resources and working with stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing the health sector," he said.
He noted that Africa's large youth population represents one of the continent's greatest assets, but said unlocking that potential requires sustained investment in human capital.
"Investment in human capital, particularly young people, is the foundation of innovation, productivity and economic growth," he said, adding that governments must create opportunities that enable young people to realise their ambitions.
Dr Nchimbi said Tanzania's Sixth Phase Government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had continued to strengthen the health sector through investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, policy reforms and partnerships with institutions supporting health development.
He also called on development partners, public and private institutions and other health stakeholders to deepen collaboration in strengthening health systems and expanding opportunities for young people, arguing that such investments would improve Africa's capacity to respond to future health challenges while accelerating socio-economic development.
Closing the summit, Dr Nchimbi commended the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation for sustaining the legacy of the late President Benjamin Mkapa through programmes that improve healthcare, empower young people and support community development.
He said the foundation's work continues to make a meaningful contribution to Tanzania's efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable development agenda while supporting broader health and human capital priorities across Africa.
