The Government has called on Members of Parliament from eight regions to step up efforts to mobilise young people to apply for TZS23.68 billion in affordable loans earmarked for youth enterprises in the livestock and fisheries sectors.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Kamani made the call on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a meeting with MPs from Kagera, Simiyu, Kigoma, Rukwa, Katavi, Ruvuma, Njombe and Mbeya regions in Dodoma.
The appeal comes as the ministry continues to receive applications for the second phase of the youth economic empowerment loans, with the application deadline set for September 14, 2026.
Mr Kamani, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, said the TZS23.68 billion received by the ministry formed part of the TZS200 billion pledged by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to support young people and start-up companies to create jobs and strengthen their economic capacity.
He said the financing was designed to increase livestock and fisheries production by enabling young people to establish businesses in livestock keeping, fishing and processing through affordable financing.
The ministry has already disbursed loans under the first phase and is now processing applications for the second phase.
Mr Kamani said participation varied significantly across regions during the first phase, with Mara recording the strongest response, while some regions lagged behind.
He urged MPs to use their constituencies and regional networks to ensure eligible young people understand the opportunity, meet the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
The Government’s push places MPs at the centre of efforts to close the gap between funds made available for youth empowerment and actual uptake, particularly in regions where applications have remained low.
Some MPs who contributed to the meeting commended the ministry for implementing the youth financing programme, particularly support for fish farming using cages.
They also offered recommendations to ministry officials on improving the coordination and administration of the loans to make it easier for young people to access and benefit from the financing.
The ministry said eligible youth should take advantage of the ongoing second-phase application window before it closes on September 14.